Prophylactic lateral canthopexy in lower blepharoplasties.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Lower eyelid malposition, including ectropion, is a recognized complication of lower blepharoplasty.
• Preventative measures are generally more effective than corrective treatments for these complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a straightforward canthopexy technique for patients undergoing lower blepharoplasty.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of this technique in preventing lower eyelid malposition and improving cosmetic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 247 patients who underwent lower blepharoplasty with canthopexy over five years.
• Lateral tarsal strip canthoplasty was indicated for a lid distraction distance ≥ 10 mm; otherwise, canthopexy was performed.
• Canthopexy was performed in 98% of cases, irrespective of patient age or preoperative assessment.

Main Results:

• Canthopexy was performed in 98% of the 247 patients.
• The described canthopexy method was applied to a broad patient population, regardless of age or specific preoperative findings.
• The procedure aimed to prevent eyelid malposition and achieve superior cosmetic results.

Conclusions:

• A simple canthopexy technique can be effectively integrated into lower blepharoplasty procedures.
• This method serves as a reliable strategy to prevent lower eyelid malposition and ectropion.
• The technique contributes to achieving enhanced cosmetic results in lower blepharoplasty patients.