Construction of a double eyelid: an uncut strip of orbicularis removed through three mini-incisions.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In recent years, many mini-incisional techniques for double-eyelid plasty have been developed. However, the removal of pretarsal tissue has not been satisfactory because only small pockets of soft tissue just inferior to the skin have been removed to place the suture. The formed double eyelid may therefore not be durable. This report introduces a modified mini-incisional method that involves removing a long uncut strip of orbicularis through three mini-incisions. METHODS: A strip of orbicularis uncut from the inner canthus to the outer canthus was removed through three mini-incisions made on the upper eyelid, quite similar to that of a full incisional procedure. The left orbicularis then was pruned in three directions left, right, and down (toward the palpebral margin). Finally, the incisions were sutured, and a vivid fold was created. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2012, the authors applied this technique to 90 patients (174 eyes). Although the trauma may have been more severe due to a large amount of orbicularis removed, including an uncut strip of orbicularis, bleeding during the operation was easy to control and usually very limited. The edema period for most patients ended within 3 weeks, mainly because of the skin bridge between each incision. The scars became unnoticeable after 3-6 months. Disappearance of the fold was not found in any case at either the 3- or 12-month (average, 9-month) follow-up evaluation or during the 4-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The described technique combines the advantages of both full incisional and the usual mini-incisional techniques in developing a long-lasting suprapalpebral fold with inconspicuous scars and a short recovery period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V Opinions of respected authorities, based on clinical experience,descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees.