Balanced Effect of Lateral Canthoplasty

Background: The effect of upper blepharoplasty was sometimes limited in some small eyes with narrow orbital fissures. The combination of lateral canthoplasty can elongate the lateral palpebral fissure and bring wider and larger eyes. The aesthetic effect of upper blepharoplasty was enhanced as a result. In our study, we present a simple and easy-to-perform method of lateral canthoplasty. Material and Methods: We performed cosmetic lateral canthoplasty in 10 cases from September 2007 to August 2008. All the patients came for a cosmetic reason and in most cases, upper blepharoplasty were performed at the same time. A Y-V flap was designed with two short limb along upper and lower eyelid margin. The tip of the flap was advanced laterally to the point of new lateral canthus. Fixation of subcutaneous tissue to the periosteum of orbit was performed to prevent recurrence. Results: All the ten patients were satisfied with the result. The operative scars were aesthetically acceptable and no hypertrophic scars were complained. Conclusion: The balanced lateral canthoplasty is a simple and effective, although not perfect, procedure which can enhance the aesthetic result by lengthening the palpebral fissure. This causes the eye to appear longer, larger and brighter.