Lower eyelid flap in double-eyelid blepharoplasty of epicanthic folds

Abstract

Objective To investigate the possibility of plastic and cosmetic operation incorporating epicanthoplasty with the double-eyelid procedure in one stage to achieve a more subtle scar in epicanthus patients with single eyelid. Methods After designing incision line of the epicanthic flap, double-eyelid line and the lower eyelid incision curved line, we cut the medial canthus skin transversely to reach a new medial canthus point, incised the part of front angle of medial palpebral ligamentum longitudinally and fixed the end point of front angle of medial palpebral ligamentum to nasal dorsum fascia firmly. Double eyelid operation was routinely performed to remove redundant small triangle skin as well as some patchy of orbicularis on the new medial canthus point. Along with eyelid edge about 1 to 2 mm to eyelash, the temporal side was cut with curved line till its disappearance by eyelid's cat ear. The lower eyelid flap was separated downward and the superfluous flap and some patchy of orbicularis cut. The skin was su-tured to make postoperative scar hidden, blepharophimosis increased and the fold disappeared. Results 46 eyes (23 cases) were operated and satisfactory aesthetic results were obtained. Palpebral fissure was enlarged to 2 to 4 mm with epicanthic scar disappearance and formation of double-eyelid. Conclusions This is a simple and effective procedure with hidden epicanthic scar and the double-eyelid blepharoplasty could be performed simultaneously. Most patients receive satisfactory results during the 0.5 to 2 years' follow-up period except 2 cases with mild proliferation of epicanthus in half a year. It is especially suitable to correct the severe epicanthus palpebralis or epieanthus tarsalis. Key words: Lower eyelid flap; Epicanthal folds; Double-eyelid blepharoplasty