Topical Bimatoprost for Chemical Blepharoplasty

Topical bimatoprost has been shown to cause periorbital changes of soft tissue which are most pronounced when used directly onto the cornea for the treatment of glaucoma. Changes are primarily felt to be the result of prostaglandin-mediated adipocyte loss, resulting in deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus and recession of infraorbital pseudoherniation. Use of topical bimatoprost to the upper eyelid margin, now FDA approved for eyelash enhancement, may provide a metered effect on the periocular tissues and allow for a topical approach to periocular rejuvenation. This is a proof of concept study which aims to enroll a series of patients with mild to severe dermatochalasis, treat with topical bimatoprost 0.03% solution to the upper lid margin, and evaluate for cosmetic improvement of the periocular area.

Perception of beauty in the periocular region is influenced by several factors, including symmetry, population norms, and skin texture and tone. Soft tissue and skin changes over time create an aged appearance with the development of dermatochalasis, blepharoptosis, lacrimal gland prolapse, and fat prolapse. Techniques for periocular rejuvenation are well established and include soft tissue augmentation, resurfacing, and surgical correction. In May 2015, Sarnoff and Gotkin reported a case of "chemical blepharoplasty" achieved with topical bimatoprost ophthalmic 0.03% solution applied to the upper eyelid margin. After three months of use, the author noted a more youthful appearance of the periocular region, with deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus, reduction in dermatochalasis, and diminution of the inferior eyelid fat pad. These changes were attributed to the prostaglandin associated periorbitopathy (PAP), a well described phenomenon observed with the use of topical prostaglandin analogues use for glaucoma. Periorbital changes observed with topical prostaglandin analogues are primarily due to effects on aponeurotic and deep orbital adipocytes. Prostaglandins activate the adipocyte mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, leading to inactivation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma, inhibition of adipocyte differentiation, and decreased fat accumulation within adipocytes. Bimatoprost concentration-dependent contractions of ciliary muscles and activation of matrix metalloproteinases may also contribute to periocular changes. Patients using topical ophthalmic prostaglandin analogues commonly develop periorbital fat loss, which has been well characterized in the ophthalmology literature. Bimatoprost applied to the upper eyelid margin for eyelash enhancement attempts to capitalize on the desirable effects of darker, longer, thicker eyelashes, while limiting more significant and undesirable effects through limited exposure of the drug to ocular tissues. This same concept may apply for dermatochalasis: at a metered dose, topical bimatoprost to the lid margin could lead to subtle periorbital fat loss resulting in improved dermatochalasis.

This is a single-arm open label proof of concept pilot study evaluating use of Latisse (bimatoprost 0.03% ophthalmic solution) applied to the eyelid margin for dermatochalasis (upper eyelid drooping).

Latisse (bimatoprost 0.03% ophthalmic solution) applied to the eyelid margin for dermatochalasis (upper eyelid drooping)

Patients were followed for 12 weeks total, with visits every 4 weeks for a total of 4 visits. Photodocumentation was performed at each visit. At completion of the study period, each patient's photographs at weeks 0 and 12, were graded by 2 blinded evaluators for level of dermatochalasis: -1 (deep upper eyelid sulcus), 0 (no dermatochalasis), 1 (mild, slightly noticeable), 2 (moderate, noticeable), or 3 (severe, distinctive). The change of dermatochalasis (week 12 score subtracted from week 0 score) was the primary outcome measure. A greater change (based on a higher score) in dermatochalasis indicated better response to the treatment.

Entry and exit surveys were completed about self perception of the periocular area. The satisfaction was measured based on 2 short surveys. Entry survey had 1 question "how do you rate your satisfaction with your appearance?" - the scale was 0-5, with 0 being "Not at all" to 5 being "extremely." The exit survey posed two questions, (1) "how do you rate satisfaction with your appearance?" with the same 0-5 scale, as well as (2) Do you notice an improvement in your eyelid droop (dermatochalasis)?" with a scale as follows: Worse (-1), No Change (0), 25% better (1), 50% better (2), 75% better (3), or 100% better (4). The change in satisfaction was measured by the summation of scores from both surveys and the average was calculated.

Inclusion Criteria: 18+, mild to severe dermatochalasis, desire for enhanced eyelashes. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with current use of ophthalmic prostaglandin analogues, history of blepharoplasty, history of neuromodulators or fillers to the periocular region or frontalis in the last 6 months, existing deep upper eyelid sulcus, opposition to eyelash enhancement, pregnancy.

Sarnoff DS, Gotkin RH. Bimatoprost-induced chemical blepharoplasty. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015 May;14(5):472-7.

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