Adjustable V-Flap Epicanthoplasty Based on Desired Eyelid Morphology

Area of Science:

• Oculoplastic Surgery
• Asian Eyelid Anatomy
• Cosmetic Surgery

Background:

• Epicanthal folds are a defining feature of Asian eyelids, often requiring surgical correction.
• Existing epicanthoplasty techniques can lead to complications like scarring, recurrence, and limitations with double eyelid surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the V-flap epicanthoplasty technique for correcting epicanthal folds.
• To assess the simplicity, flexibility, and aesthetic outcomes of the V-flap method.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 423 Asian patients who underwent V-flap epicanthoplasty from 2000 to 2017.
• The procedure involves a V-shaped skin incision, myotomy, and medial canthal ligament plication.

Main Results:

• The V-flap technique achieved satisfactory correction of epicanthal folds with no recurrence and finer scarring.
• The method demonstrated flexibility, allowing adjustments for desired double eyelid morphology during concurrent blepharoplasty.

Conclusions:

• V-flap epicanthoplasty is a simple, flexible, and effective surgical technique for Asian eyelid correction.
• This method provides excellent aesthetic results, addressing limitations of previous approaches.