Role of Fat in the Lower Eyelid

ABSTRACT

-Orbital fat plays an important role in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the lower eyelid. Significant literature has been focused on the surgical management of lower lid fat pads. The surgical philosophy has evolved from traditional fat resection to the preservation of postseptal orbital fat. This philosophy is accompanied by new insights into management of lower lid anatomy. A clear understanding of the anatomy and function of the lower lid is critical to avoid complications and ensure good outcomes following lower eyelid procedures. Given the refinements in the understanding of orbital fat anatomy, and the surgical techniques available, a review of lower lid orbital fat is presented.

KEYWORD

Orbital fat - suborbicularis oculi fat (SOOF) - retro-orbicularis oculi fat (ROOF) - orbital septum - lower lid bags - orbitomalar ligament - midface descent