[CLINICAL OBSERVATION OF MODERATE TO SEVERE BLEPHAROPTOSIS CORRECTION WITH ARC-SHAPED FRONTALIS APONEUROSIS FLAP]

To evaluate the effectiveness of an arc-shaped frontalis aponeurosis flap for the treatment of moderate to severe blepharoptosis.

Between January 2011 and December 2014, 80 cases (140 eyes) of moderate to severe blepharoptosis were treated, including 31 males and 49 females with a median age of 16 years (range, 6-45 years). One eye was involved in 20 cases and both eyes in 60 cases. Upper eyelid ptosis degree ranged from 3 to 6 mm (average, 5 mm) when looking at the front horizontally. Fifty-one patients had underwent plastic surgery, and the first operation was performed in others. The arc-shaped frontalis aponeurosis flap was created by incision of upper and middle edge of the eyebrow, then it was retracted to the upper eyelid aponeurosis and was fixed in a slight over-correction position.

The operation was completed smoothly. The intraoperative blood loss was 5-10 mL (mean, 7 mL). Mild swelling of incision was observed after operation, and disappeared at 3-5 days after operation. Primary healing of incision was obtained, with no complications of infection and flap necrosis. The follow-up duration was 1-3 years (mean, 1.5 years). Seventy-nine cases could close upper eyelid completely and the function of upper eyelid was satisfactory within 3 months. One patient could not close upper eyelid completely after 6 months, and mild keratitis occurred, which was cured by anchyloblepharon.

The arc-shaped frontalis aponeurosis flap can be regarded as a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of cogenital moderate to severe blepharoptosis, it was safe, reliable, and easy-to-grasp.