A Modified Double Eyelid Plastic Surgery Method: Continuous Buried Suture Method Accompanied by Simultaneous Correction of Mild Blepharoptosis.

Abstract

Double eyelid surgery with a buried suture is a popular plastic surgery procedure in Asia owing to the relatively minor scarring and quick recovery associated with it. In this article, we present a new approach involving a continuous single-loop buried suture method, which expands the operating site to the conjunctiva and the aponeurosis-Müller's muscle complex. The medical records of 42 patients (80 eyes) who underwent double-eyelid blepharoplasty were retrospectively reviewed. We performed double-eyelid blepharoplasty with a single-knot continuous buried suture method, along with the resection of a small piece of the orbicularis oculi muscle. The formation of a double eyelid was achieved through traction of the aponeurosis-Müller's muscle complex from the medial conjunctiva and penetration of the upper eyelid. The majority of patients achieved the expected cosmetic effect of double eyelid formation after the procedure. In the subsequent follow-up period of 2-30months, no complications, such as loosing or sagging of the double eyelid or granuloma formation, occurred. The mean recovery time ranged between one and 6weeks. The pre-operative margin reflex distance (MRD1) was 2.36 ± 0.61mm, and the post-operative MRD1 was 3.72 ± 0.63mm, (p < 0.001). The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for nonparametric, paired comparisons. We proposed a modified technique involving a continuous buried suture method to create a better cosmetic effect through the formation of a double eyelid and simultaneous correction of mild blepharoptosis. This modified procedure is simple, fast, and effective, with limited adverse effects. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .