Width of the levator aponeurosis is broader than the tarsal plate

The aim of this study was to compare the width of the levator aponeurosis and tarsal plate in different levels grossly and histologically. Twelve eyelids of 6 Korean adult cadavers were used. Ten eyelids were dissected, and 2 were prepared for histologic study.Widths of the tarsal plate at its lower border, midheight, and upper border were 21.8 ± 1.8, 16.2 ± 1.6, and 8.3 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The widths of the levator aponeurosis at the lower border, midheight, and upper border of the tarsal plate were 32.0 ± 2.2, 29.2 ± 3.5, and 27.2 ± 3.9 mm, respectively. Its width was 19.9 ± 4.3 mm at the anterior border of the superior transverse ligament. The width of the levator aponeurosis was broader than tarsal plate at all 3 levels. The medial brims of the levator aponeurosis at the lower border, midheight, and upper border of the tarsal plate were 3.6 ± 1.1, 5.1 ± 1.0, and 6.2 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. The lateral brims of the levator aponeurosis at the lower border, midheight, and upper border of the tarsal plate were 6.6 ± 0.9, 7.9 ± 2.6, and 12.7 ± 3.7 mm, respectively.The width of the levator aponeurosis is broader than the tarsal plate at all levels. This result might be useful in upper-eyelid surgery.