Reconstruction of the horizontal palpebral aperture after failed ectropion surgery with temporal migration of punctum

Involutional ectropion of the lower lid is the result of progressive stretching and elongation of the lid margin and medial and lateral canthal tendons. The relative laxities of the components of the lower lid-canthal tendon complex will determine the location and extent of the ectropion. Whereas inadequate canthal tightening or horizontal lid shortening will result in recurrent ectropion, overzealous lid shortening without tendon plication will result in a noticeably narrower horizontal palpebral fissure, a persistent ectropion, or temporal migration of the punctum. We used lateral cantholysis, medial canthal tendon plication, and punctal rotation to return the punctum to its normal position and temporalis muscle to support the lower lid in eight cases in which previous procedures had failed to correct the lid malposition. In all eight cases there was improvement of the lid position. In one case of severe medial ectropion, the punctal eversion was not completely corrected. This technique is not recommended as an initial procedure for ectropion repair. It is only used to manage previous surgical failures. It is a new application and combination of well-accepted techniques.