• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2010

Purpose: Many surgical approaches for reconstruction of blow out fracture have been introduced, which include subciliary incision, transconjunctival incision and transcaruncular incision. Recently endoscopic approach has been attempted. This study was intended to show the effectiveness of the approach through transconjunctival incision combined with transnasal reduction in reconstructing blow out fracture to its original position. Methods: Medical recoreds of 43 patients from March 2008 to March 2009 who underwent surgery for orbital fracture were reviewed, retrospectively. All fractures were operated through transconjuctival incision approach combined with transnasal reduction. The average follow-up period was 10.1 months. To evaluate the surgical outcomes of orbital fracture, we performed CT of the facial bone before and after the surgery. In addition, preoperative and postoperative data of enophthalmos, diplopia and the limitation of extraocular motion was assessed with physical examination. Results: Post-operative CT scan of 43 patients assured that the bone fragments of the orbital fractures were restored to their original positions. Although a few patients developed postoperative transient diplopia or impairment of ocular movement, most of the patients recovered during the follow-up period without complication. Conclusion: From this study, we were able to demonstrate the effectiveness of the transnsasal reduction technique combined with the approach through transconjunctival incision. This technique can be considered as very useful means of repairing orbital fracture. It is not only easy to perform but also it can minimize the damage to the orbital bone. Furthermore, it can restore the fracture to its original position as much as possible.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.325-332
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• 2018

Background Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures mostly occur in the form of tripod fractures. The surgical field is accessed using a combination of three classic approaches. However, the subciliary incision may have unfavorable aesthetic results. Herein, the authors report the advantages of the extended transconjunctival approach (ETA) combined with T-bar screw reduction in minimizing scarring and complications for the treatment of ZMC fractures. Methods A total of 26 patients underwent ZMC reduction through the ETA and intraoral approach. A skin incision measuring roughly 5 to 8 mm in length was placed following the lateral canthal skin crease. After releasing the inferior crus of the lateral canthal tendon for canthotomy, the medial periosteum of the lateral orbital rim was preserved for canthal reattachment. A limited subperiosteal dissection and partial relaxing incision of the orbicularis oculi were performed to expose the fracture line of the inferior orbital rim and zygomaticofrontal suture. Reduction was performed using a T-bar screw through the transconjunctival incision and an elevator through the intraoral incision. Results The aesthetic and functional results were excellent. Successful reduction was achieved and the skin incision was less than 8 mm in 20 cases (76.9%). Only six patients had an additional skin incision (less than 5 mm) to achieve reduction. No cases of ectropion, entropion, or excessive scarring were noted. Conclusions The ETA using a T-bar screw is a useful method for maximizing aesthetic results in ZMC fractures, with the advantages of minimal scarring, faster recovery, and maintenance of pretarsal fullness.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.48-52
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• 2011

Purpose: Microfat graft is a common procedure for correcting tear trough deformity and dark circle. Because the tissue in this area is very thin, the grafted fat, sometimes, induces palpable lumps and uneven skin contour. When it happens, the surgical removal of the grafted fat is often needed. The authors made attempt of transconjunctival approach for removal, and this made infraorbital fat repositioning possible at the same time. Methods: 15 female patients with history of microfat graft on lower eyelid, got operation for the grafted fat removal with transconjunctival approach from April of 2009 to July of 2010. The dissection was performed in accordance with infraorbital fat repositioning surgery. Through the transconjunctival incision, knotted fat on orbital septum and orbicularis oculi muscle was removed without damage on skin. After grafted fat removal, subperiosteal space was made 1~2 mm below the inferior orbital rim by elevating periosteum. With preserving orbital septum, infraorbital fat was repositioned and anchored to subperiosteal space. Finally, transconjunctival incision was closed with absorbable suture material. Results: 14 patients in the study showed satisfactory results. The problems like uneven skin contour and knotted fat mass, were all solved. In only one patient, incomplete correction was observed, as bulging on her right lower eyelid still remained. One patient complained of transient numbness on lower eyelid, but there was no specific complication other than this. Conclusion: The authors attempted the method of transconjunctival approach to remove former grafted fat in lower eyelid and reposition infraorbital fat simultaneously. Since the study brought great results, the method would be helpful to patients and surgeons.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.119-127
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• 2016

Background: Conventional correction of malunioned zygoma requires complete regional exposure through a bicoronal flap combined with a lower eyelid incision and an upper buccal sulcus incision. However, there are many potential complications following bicoronal incisions, such as infection, hematoma, alopecia, scarring and nerve injury. We have adopted a zygomaticofrontal suture osteotomy technique using transconjunctival incision with lateral paracanthal extension. We performed a retrospective review of clinical cases underwent correction of malunioned zygoma with the approach to evaluate outcomes following this method. Methods: Between June 2009 and September 2015, corrective osteotomies were performed in 14 patients with malunioned zygoma by a single surgeon. All 14 patients received both upper gingivobuccal and transconjunctival incisions with lateral paracanthal extension. The mean interval from injury to operation was 16 months (range, 12 months to 4 years), and the mean follow-up was 1 year (range, 4 months to 3 years). Results: Our surgical approach technique allowed excellent access to the infraorbital rim, orbital floor, zygomaticofrontal suture and anterior surface of the maxilla. Of the 14 patients, only 1 patient suffered a complication-oral wound dehiscence. Among the 6 patients who received infraorbital nerve decompression, numbness was gradually relieved in 4 patients. Two patients continued to experience persistent numbness. Conclusion: Transconjunctival incision with lateral paracanthal extension combined with upper gingivobuccal sulcus incision offers excellent exposure of the zygoma-orbit complex, and could be a valid alternative to the bicoronal approach for osteotomy of malunioned zygoma.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.472-476
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• 2011

Purpose: Traditional transcutaneous incision and transconjunctival incision methods are commonly used in the lower blepharoplasty. The transconjunctival method leaves no visible scars nor does it change the shape of lower eyelid contour and the surgical technique is not difficult. However removal of excess baggy skin is not possible through this method. Therefore, the transconjunctival incision method is useful only for patients who still have normal elasticity of the lower eyelids and fat that is protruding only anterocaudally. The Author will introduce a technique, which complements the limitations of these two methods mentioned above. Methods: The author combined the transconjunctival approach and lower blepharoplasty with only the excised skin flap method. This method does not go beyond the previous methods but does apply the advantages of them. Results: From March 2007 to October 2010, this new technique was performed in a total of 62 patients. Fat was removed and repositioned through transconjunctival incision. Drooped skin was excised as in the traditional blepharoplasty but only the skin flap was elevated. This prevents post-operative complications such as ectropion, sclera show, and deformation of the shape of the lower eyelids or under-resection of fat. All patients were satisfied with the post-operative appearance. Conclusion: The author was able to get satisfactory results while avoiding complications of traditional transcutaneous technique with this combined technique of the transconjunctival approach and the lower blepharoplasty method of skin flaps only.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.22-28
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• 2012

Purpose: In accordance to an increased interest in facial appearance and the popularization of computed tomography scanning, the number of diagnosis and treatment of blowout fractures has been increased. The purpose of this article is to review pure blowout fracture surgery through transconjunctival incision focusing on complications and their management. Methods: In this retrospective study, 583 patients, who had been treated for pure blowout fracture through transconjunctival incision from 2000 to 2009, were evaluated. Their hospital records were reviewed according to their sex, age, fracture site, preoperative presentations, time interval between trauma and surgery, and postoperative complications. Results: According to postoperative follow-up results, there were early complications that included wound dehiscence and infection (0.2%), hematoma (insomuch as extraocular movement is limited) (0.7%), lacriminal duct injury (0.5%), and periorbital nerve injury (0.7%). In addition, there were late complications that lasted more than 6 months, that included persistent diplopia (1.7%), extraocular movement limitation (0.9%), enophthalmos (1.0%), periorbital sensation abnormalities (1.0%), and entropion (0.5%). Conclusion: We propose the following guidelines for prevention of postoperative complications: layer by layer closure; bleeding control with the epinephrine gauzes, Tachocomb, and Tisseel; conjunctival incision 2 to 3 mm away from punctum; avoidance of excessive traction; performing surgical decompression and high dose corticosteroid therapy upon confirmation of nerve injury; atraumatic dissection and insertion of Medpor Barrier implant after securing a clear view of posterior ledge; using Medpor block stacking technique and BioSorb FX screw fixation; performing a complete resection of the anterior ethmoidal nerve during medial wall dissection; and making an incision 2 to 3 mm below the tarsal plate.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.249-254
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• 2017

Background: Lower eyelid incisions are widely used for the orbital approach in periorbital trauma and aesthetic surgery. In general, the subciliary approach is known to cause disposition of the lower eyelid by scarring the anterior lamella in some cases. On the other hand, many surgeons believe that a transconjunctival approach usually does not result in such complications and is a reliable method. We measured positional changes in the lower eyelid in blowout fracture repair since entropion is one of the most serious complications of the transconjunctival orbital approach. Methods: To measure the positional changes in the lower eyelids, we analyzed preoperative and postoperative photographs over various time intervals. In the analysis of the photographs, marginal reflex distance 2 ($MRD_2$) and eyelash angle were used as an index of eyelid position. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the significance in the positional changes. All patients underwent orbital reconstruction through a transconjunctival incision by a single plastic surgeon. Results: In 42 blowout fracture patients, there was no statistical significant difference in the MRD2 and eyelash angle. Furthermore, there were no clinical complications, such as infection, hematoma, bleeding, or implant protrusion, during the follow-up periods. Conclusion: The advantages of the transconjunctival approach for orbital access include minimal scarring and a lower risk of eyelid displacement compared with other approaches. Based on these results, we recommend the transconjunctival approach for orbital exposure as a safe and reliable method.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.219-222
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to discuss several approaches to addressing naso-orbito-ethmoidal (NOE) fracture. Orbital fracture, especially infraorbital fracture, can be treated through the transconjunctival approach easily. However, in more severe cases, for example, fracture extending to the medial orbital wall or zygomatico-frontal suture line, only transconjunctival incision is insufficient to secure good surgical field. And, it also has risk of tearing the conjunctiva, which could injure the lacrimal duct. Also, in most complex types of facial fracture such as NOE fracture or panfacial fracture, destruction of the structure often occurs, for example, trap-door deformity; a fracture of orbital floor where the inferiorly displaced blowout facture recoils to its original position, or vertical folding deformity; fractured fragments are displaced under the other fragments, causing multiple-packed layers of bone.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.206-210
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• 2016

Background: Zygoma is a major buttress of the midfacial skeleton, which is frequently injured because of its prominent location. Zygoma fractures are classified according to Knight and North based on the direction of anatomic displacement and the pattern created by the fracture. In zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture many incisions (lateral eyebrow, lateral upper blepharoplasty, transconjunctival, subciliary, subtarsal, intraoral, direct percutaneous approach) are useful. We reviewed various approaches for the treatment of ZMC fractures and discussed about incisions and fixation methods. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with ZMC fracture at a single institution from January 2005 to December 2014. Patients with single zygomatic arch fracture were excluded. Results: The identified 694 patients who were admitted for zygomatic fractures from which 192 patients with simple arch fractures were excluded. The remaining 502 patients consisted of 439 males and 63 females, and total 532 zygomatic bone was operated. Orbital fracture was the most common associated fracture. According to the Knight and North classification the most frequent fracture was Group IV. Most fractures were fixated at two points (73%). Conclusion: We reviewed our cases over 10 years according to fracture type and fixation methods. In conclusion, minimal incision, familiar approach and fixation methods of the surgeon are recommended.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2009

Purpose: For blowout fracture of the medial orbital wall, the goals of treatment are complete reduction of the herniated soft tissue and anatomic reconstruction of the wall without surgical complications. Surgeons frequently worry about damage to the optic nerve from the dissection, when the part over the posterior ethmoidal foramen was fractured. The authors performed small incision and inlay grafting for reconstruction of medial orbital wall fracture. Methods: Between January 2007 and April 2008, 15 out of 32 patients were included in an analysing the outcome of corrected medial orbital wall fracture. In 15 patients of posterior comminuted fracture of medial orbital wall, insertion of porous polyethylene($Medpor^{(R)}$ channel implant, Porex, USA) to ethmoidal sinus was performed in multiple layer, through the transconjunctival approach (inlay grafting). Results: In all cases, the orbital bone volume was reconstructed in its normal anatomical position. The associated ocular problems disappeared except for mild enophthalmos in 2 patients and there were no surgical complications associated with inlay grafting. Conclusion: The advantage of inlay grafting include anatomical reconstruction of the orbital wall; the avoidance of optic nerve injury; the simplicity of the procedure; and consequently, the absence of surgery-related complications. This technique is presented as one of the preferred treatments for posterior comminuted fracture of medial orbital wall.