Comprehensive management for complex complications after periumbilical fat implantation into the upper eyelid

BACKGROUND: Recently, periumbilical fat (PF) mass, an autologous material with a high survival rate, has been transplanted to treat sunken or dissatisfactory double eyelids. However, the intricate complications of PF grafts and associated reconstructive strategies are infrequently discussed. METHODS: During 3 years, 20 patients (33 eyes) with eyelid malformations caused by PF grafts into the orbital septum or on the surface of the levator aponeurosis underwent corrective blepharoplasty. We recorded patients’ subjective feelings and identified deformities from crease abnormalities, bloated appearance, and problems with the eyelid’s height. Then, we categorize them into three types based on their complexity: type I, swollen appearance; type II, obvious adhesion; type III, severe comprehensive damage. The relevant management included removing fat implants, releasing the adhesion, and rebuilding the physical structure according to the anatomic damage mechanism. The improvement effect was assessed with a satisfaction survey from patients and doctors at 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The swollen appearance was observed in 26 eyes (78.8%), an unsmooth double-eyelid line was in 23 eyes (69.7%), and the incidence of adhesion was in 22 eyes (66.7%). Following a comprehensive evaluation, 15 eyes (45.5%) and 13 (39.4%) were classified as type I and type II respectively. After the 6-month follow-up, 22 eyes (66.7%) showed exceptional aesthetic results, whereas only 2 eyes as type III had a poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The deformities emerging from periumbilical fat into the upper eyelid are associated with the shape of the fat and the adhesion in tissues. Graft removal, adhesion release, and restoration of the natural anatomic structure can have positive outcomes.