A Modified Double Eyelid Plastic Surgery Method: Continuous Buried Suture Method Accompanied by Simultaneous Correction of Mild Blepharoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Double eyelid surgery with a buried suture is a popular plastic surgery procedure in Asia owing to the relatively minor scarring and quick recovery associated with it. In this article, we present a new approach involving a continuous single-loop buried suture method, which expands the operating site to the conjunctiva and the aponeurosis-Müller's muscle complex.

METHODS: The medical records of 42 patients (80 eyes) who underwent double-eyelid blepharoplasty were retrospectively reviewed. We performed double-eyelid blepharoplasty with a single-knot continuous buried suture method, along with the resection of a small piece of the orbicularis oculi muscle. The formation of a double eyelid was achieved through traction of the aponeurosis-Müller's muscle complex from the medial conjunctiva and penetration of the upper eyelid.

RESULTS: The majority of patients achieved the expected cosmetic effect of double eyelid formation after the procedure. In the subsequent follow-up period of 2-30 months, no complications, such as loosing or sagging of the double eyelid or granuloma formation, occurred. The mean recovery time ranged between one and 6 weeks. The pre-operative margin reflex distance (MRD1) was 2.36 ± 0.61 mm, and the post-operative MRD1 was 3.72 ± 0.63 mm, (p < 0.001). The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for nonparametric, paired comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS: We proposed a modified technique involving a continuous buried suture method to create a better cosmetic effect through the formation of a double eyelid and simultaneous correction of mild blepharoptosis. This modified procedure is simple, fast, and effective, with limited adverse effects.

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