While numerous medical institutions offer cosmetic procedures, for eye-related treatments, if you have epicanthal folds, epicanthoplasty is typically recommended. This surgery provides a relatively perfect solution. However, thoroughly understanding any cosmetic procedure before undergoing it is always beneficial.You should understand epicanthal folds. If you don't, listen to what the experts say.
Indications for epicanthoplasty
Primary epicanthal folds: Clinically classified into three types based on their course: upper eyelid type, medial canthus type, and inverted type.Within primary epicanthal folds, cases accompanied by ptosis, narrow palpebral fissures, and markedly widened epicanthal distance are termed eyelid syndrome. When combined with brow deformities, it is called brow-eyelid syndrome. Cases without other abnormalities are classified as simple epicanthal folds.Additionally, patients with epicanthal folds often concurrently exhibit trichiasis (ingrown eyelashes) and may even present with eyebrow deformities. Secondary epicanthal folds: Primarily caused by localized scar contracture and traction resulting from mechanical trauma, burns, infections, or other factors. These are typically unilateral and frequently associated with adjacent tissue damage.Epikanthus refers to a webbed skin fold extending downward from the medial canthus in a forward direction or upward in a backward direction, causing the inner eye corner to appear rounded and giving the impression of a narrowed palpebral fissure.
Treatment for epicanthal folds primarily involves surgical correction. Since childhood is a period of rapid growth and development, with the nasal bridge gradually increasing in height and the protrusion of the eyeballs increasing, the degree of the fold may gradually diminish. Therefore, the recommended age for surgery is generally after 13 years of age.
Methods for Treating Epicanthal Folds
(1) Epicanthal Skin Excision: Suitable for patients with limited epicanthal folds. This involves simply excising excess skin at the epicanthal region. After slight dissection, the skin is tractioned toward the nasal dorsum to expose the epicanthal angle before suturing.This technique yields less than ideal results and is rarely used today.
(2) Blair-Brown Technique: Suitable for patients with larger epicanthal folds.An incision is made at the epicanthal fold, dissecting two triangular skin flaps down to the epicanthal ligament. The ligament is sutured nasally, and the apexes of both flaps are pulled nasally and sutured to the apex of the transverse incision. Finally, the skin edges are sequentially sutured in a "∈" pattern.
(3) "Y-V" Suture Technique: Suitable for patients with mild epicanthal folds. A transverse "Y"-shaped incision is made at the epicanthal region, sized as needed, with the vertical width generally exceeding the palpebral fissure. The excess skin is pulled nasally and sutured, resulting in a transverse "V"-shaped wound after closure.
Precautions for Epicanthal Folds
Although epicanthal fold correction is a minor procedure, preoperative communication with your surgeon is essential.The doctor will provide specific instructions for correction, including guidance on medications containing aspirin (which should be avoided), ensuring no infectious diseases or other bodily inflammations, dietary considerations, avoiding the procedure during menstruation for women, and quitting smoking one week prior for smokers.