Double eyelid blepharoplasty incorporating epicanthoplasty using Y-V advancement procedure

Abstract

Ethnic characteristics of the Asian upper eyelid include the lack of a superior palpebral fold, excessive fat, laxity of pretarsal skin, and medial epicanthal fold. Historically, these features have characterised a unique beauty in Asians. With the increase of cultural exchange, the sense of beauty has changed greatly among Asians and most Asians regard eyes with double eyelids as beautiful. Therefore, surgical creation of a superior palpebral fold (so-called double eyelidplasty) has become the most common cosmetic operation in Asia. However, the presence of an epicanthal fold weakens the aesthetic results of the operation. The size of the epicanthal fold in Asians, whilst varying widely among individuals, is usually relatively small, and thus aesthetically successful effacement rarely requires more complex procedures as performed in the West. The incision for epicanthoplasty should therefore be as simple as possible and be confined to the eyelid area. From October 2001 to May 2006, Y-V advancement procedure for epicanthoplasty was used in combination with double eyelid surgery in 92 cases. Most of the patients attained satisfactory results. There were few complications in our series. A hypertrophic scar was recorded in three early cases and faded within 2 to 3 months with satisfactory results. This procedure is simple and more suitable for people of oriental origin.