Epicanthal fold correction: our experience and comparison among three kinds of epicanthoplasties

Epicanthal fold, which is unique to Asian population, forms a web across and covering the medial canthus. It often impairs the beauty of the eyelids and the outcome of double-eyelid blepharoplasty that is popular in Asians. Although many surgical procedures have been reported, most of them were only description of a single technique. Comparison among techniques will help form universally accepted algorithm or consensus in epicanthus treatment. We want to present our experience of three kinds of epicanthoplasties: horizontal incision method, Z-plasty and V-W plasty and a detailed comparison among these surgical techniques. From 2005 to 2011, the authors had performed epicanthoplasties in 252 cases, in which 220 cases simultaneously underwent a double-eyelid surgery. The choice of technique was based on presurgical evaluation of severity of epicanthal fold. Horizontal incision method was used for majority of mild epicanthal fold. Z-plasty mainly applied to moderate cases and V-W plasty was chosen for severe ones. In addition to skin rearrangement in medial canthic region, underlying orbicularis oculi muscle and thick subcutaneous tissue also needed treatment for effective release. The degree of postoperative scarring and epicanthal fold correction were reviewed. All these three methods produced satisfactory long-term results with alleviation of the skinfold and formation of vivid upper eyelid crease. No complete recurrence was observed. Horizontal incision method left an inconspicuous scar and V-W plasty might cause a relatively obvious scar. Persistent hypertrophic scars were observed in 12 patients and gradually faded after injection of diprospan. In conclusion, preoperative evaluation of skinfold severity, making a rational choice and careful implementation of surgical technique available are important in effective correction of epicanthal fold.