Minimal incision posterior approach levator plication for aponeurotic ptosis

To assess the efficacy and predictability of a minimal incision posterior approach levator plication technique for correction of involutional ptosis.

Retrospective chart review of patients with involutional aponeurotic ptosis underwent minimal incision posterior approach levator plication technique between August 2013 and June 2014 by a single surgeon. The upper lid was double everted, and the conjunctiva and Muller's muscle layers were incised vertically until the levator aponeurosis could be identified. The incision(s) was similar to performing incision and curettage of chalazion, except that the site was above the tarsal plate and extended towards the fornix. Then insertion of aponeurosis was dissected away from the anterior tarsal surface, and the more superiorly located levator was plicated on it with double arm suture(s). No tissue was excised in this procedure. Surgical success was defined as a postoperative margin reflex distance (MRD)>2 mm and<4.5 mm, interlid height<1 mm and satisfactory contour.

Forty-four lids of 27 patients were included. Preoperative mean MRD was 0.48 +/- 0.56 mm. Severe ptosis of MRD<1 mm was present in 34/44 patients (77.3%). The postoperative mean MRD was 2.49 +/- 0.53 mm, and mean improvement was 2.02 +/- 0.61 mm, which was statistically significant (P<0.001). The overall success rate was 38/44 (86.4%).

Minimal incision posterior approach to levator plication was effective for the correction of aponeurotic ptosis with moderate to good levator function.