Using Multidetector Row Computed Tomography to Evaluate Baggy Eyelid

Abstract

BackgroundBaggy eyelids, formed by intraorbital fat herniation in the lower eyelids, are a sign of aging observed in the midface. This study aimed to identify the cause of baggy eyelids by evaluating the relationship between orbicularis oculi muscle thickness, orbital fat prolapse length, and age using multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT).MethodsThe 34 patients in the study ranged in age from 20 to 79 years. The patients were divided into three age groups: 20–29 years, 30–54 years, and 55–79 years. Orbicularis oculi muscle thickness and orbital fat prolapse length were measured using reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images.ResultsThe orbicularis oculi muscle was found to be significantly thinner in the oldest group. Likewise, orbital fat prolapse was found to be significantly more prominent in the oldest group. A strong and significant negative correlation was found between orbicularis oculi muscle thickness and orbital fat prolapse length (r = −0.78; P < 0.001) and between orbicularis oculi muscle thickness and age (r = −0.77; P < 0.001). A strong and significant positive correlation was found between orbital fat prolapse length and age (r = 0.78; P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe use of MDCT provides insight into the detailed changes associated with aging that take place within the lower eyelids. This study objectively demonstrated that the major factors associated with baggy eyelids include orbicularis oculi muscle thickness, orbital fat prolapse length, and age. Decreased orbicularis oculi muscle thickness leads to the orbital fat prolapse.

Lower Eyelid Length

“…Decreased orbicularis muscle thickness has been correlated to increased lower lid fat prolapse and the formation of steatoblepharon. 13 Measuring a lower lid is simple and can be performed with a small, flexible ruler found in most clinics. This should become a standard recorded measurement for patients seeking blepharoplasty, along with the standard upper lid crease, fissure width, and levator function.…”

Basic analysis of facial ageing: The relationship between the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and age

“…In addition, we determined that SMAS laxity was greater in older subjects and that changes in their facial appearance were easily induced by a PC (Figure ). Our previous studies, in which the SMAS laxity was quantified using MDCT, revealed the usefulness of the imaging modality . Nonetheless, our current results provide objective evidence of the relationship between age and SMAS laxity, which is a significant cause of cheek sagging.…”

“…To this end, the MDCT imaging modality was used to accurately measure the morphological changes in the SMAS that were associated with a posture change. Current CT imaging technology can provide high‐resolution images, allowing detailed visualization of the facial appearance and the subcutaneous anatomic structures . Moreover, the workstation, which serves as the image analysis device, can create various 3‐D CT images as well as reconstructed images.…”

“…Current CT imaging technology can provide high-resolution images, allowing detailed visualization of the facial appearance and the subcutaneous anatomic structures. [13,14] Moreover, the workstation, which serves as the image analysis device, can create various 3-D CT images as well as reconstructed images. Maxillary…”

Analysis of morphological changes after facial massage by a novel approach using three‐dimensional computed tomography

“…In particular, multi-detector-row CT (MDCT) can provide three-dimensional (3D) CT images (8) of face and body shape, as well as subcutaneous structures (4,5,9,10).…”