Internal vertical shortening for the correction of diffuse or segmental postoperative blepharoptosis

In a series of 18 patients operated on because of postoperative eyelid contour abnormalities or small to moderate amounts of diffuse blepharoptosis, a technique of internal vertical shortening produced consistently reliable results. A cosmetically acceptable result was achieved in 17 of 18 patients (95%); only one of 18 (5%) showed no improvement. In cases of overcorrected upper eyelid retraction secondary to thyroid ophthalmopathy, 11 of 11 patients had cosmetically acceptable results. In those with blepharoptosis or eyelid contour abnormalities secondary to other causes, six of seven patients (84%) had cosmetically acceptable results. In our technique of internal vertical shortening, a predetermined amount of conjunctiva and overlying scar tissue or levator aponeurosis is removed. The resection uses a posterior approach to remove tissue from the superior tarsal border upward.