Modified Split V-W Plasty for Entropion with an Epicanthal Fold in Asian Eyelids

Abstract

The epicanthal fold, which is peculiar to East Asians, forms an arch across the medial canthus in parallel with the nose. It is often accompanied by entropion of the medial eyelid. Although many surgical procedures have been described for correction of the epicanthal fold, none has reported a procedure to treat the epicanthal fold and entropion at the same time. The authors have performed a modified split V-W plasty to simultaneously correct entropion and to modify the epicanthal fold. From January of 1998 to December of 2002, we have performed a modified split V-W plasty in 20 cases. The preoperative and postoperative medial canthal distances and palpebral fissure width were measured, and the extent of postoperative scarring and improvement of the epicanthal fold and entropion were reviewed. This method provided good results, including an inconspicuous scar, release of the epicanthal fold, and improvement of entropion. The authors believe that the modified split V-W plasty is available to eliminate entropion with an epicanthal fold in Asian eyelids.