Lateral Canthoplasty Using Lateral Cantotomy and Y-V Advancement

Purpose: Lateral canthoplasty is utilized in aesthetic surgery to lengthen the lateral palpebral fissure of the lateral canthal area. However, complication such as recurrence, contour deformity or hypertrophic scar make its results doubtful. Therefore, we developed lateral canthoplasty with lateral canthotomy and Y-V advancement to effectively lengthen the palpebral fissure without recurrence.Methods: A total number of 117 patients were reviewed from March 1991 to April 2005. The operative procedure was lateral canthoplasty with lateral canthotomy and Y-V advancement. To prevent recurrence, we dissected lateral conjunctiva of lower eyelid. The author believes that by this procedure, V flap would be able to advance laterally without tension.Results: We performed lateral canthoplasty in 117 patients. There were no recurrence and patients were satisfied with the results. There were 12 patients who presented with complication. Complication included hypertrophic scar in 4 patients, web formation in 3 patients and over-correction in 5 patients.Conclusion: Lateral canthoplasty with lateral canthotomy and simple Y-V advancement may be used as an effective method to lengthen palpebral fissure without recurrence.