Surgical Technique Battles Series: Fat Transposition Lower Blepharoplasty

About the Guests

Dr. John Holds is a leading oculoplastic surgeon at Ophthalmic Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Inc., located in St. Louis, Missouri. With decades of experience, Dr. Holds has performed over 800 lower blepharoplasty surgeries, focusing on fat transposition techniques. He is a published author, contributing significant knowledge to the field of oculofacial surgery.

Dr. Marie Somogyi is an esteemed eyelid and facial plastic surgeon with Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates in Austin, Texas. Known for her expertise in lower blepharoplasty procedures, Dr. Somogyi utilizes the subperiosteal plane in fat transposition and is recognized for her innovative approach to incorporating autologous fat transfer.

Episode Summary:

Join Dr. Natalie Homer and special guests, Dr. John Holds and Dr. Marie Somogyi, in this engaging episode of the Oculofacial Podcast, where they dive into the intricacies of surgical techniques in lower blepharoplasty, exploring the preperiosteal versus subperiosteal fat transposition methods. As the debate unfolds, you’ll discover how each specialist approaches their craft, armed with unique techniques honed through years of experience. With a pre-debate poll showing a strong preference for the subperiosteal method, Dr. Holds presents a robust defense of the preperiosteal approach, while Dr. Somogyi passionately advocates for the subperiosteal technique.

The experts delve into various aspects of lower blepharoplasty, including management strategies for the three fat pads, differences in postoperative recovery, and personalized approaches for patient-specific outcomes. Through their insightful discussions, Dr. Holds emphasizes the vascular benefits of the preperiosteal plane, while Dr. Somogyi highlights the structural advantages of subperiosteal placement. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of aesthetic and functional considerations for both techniques, offering valuable insights for practitioners and patients alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Fat Transposition Techniques: Dr. Holds and Dr. Somogyi debate on the efficacy and benefits of preperiosteal versus subperiosteal planes, each presenting evidence and personal experiences.

• Surgical and Postoperative Differences: The podcast details key differences in surgical processes and post-operative outcomes of the techniques, including potential impacts on hemostasis and edema.

• Patient-Specific Approaches: The experts discuss tailoring techniques based on individual patient characteristics, including considerations for patients with festoons or previous filler use.

• Orbicularis Muscle Management: Both specialists share their methods for handling the orbicularis muscle in lower blepharoplasty to prevent complications like lower eyelid retraction.

• Canthoplasty Techniques: Insights are provided on strategies to support the lateral canthus, offering suggestions like temporary tarsorrhaphy to enhance patient outcomes.

Resources:

• Dr. John Holds at Ophthalmic Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Inc. (Website not explicitly mentioned but relevant)

• JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery (For referenced 2013 study by Dr. Masary)

To delve deeper into the nuances of oculofacial surgery, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on the Oculofacial Podcast.