J Korean Soc Aesthetic Plast Surg.  1999 Sep;5(2):364-370.

EPICANTHOPLASTY USING MODIFIED UCHIDA'S METHOD

• Lee JR
• Kim NB

Abstract

In the majority of East Asian eyelids, the presence of a medial epicanthal fold is one of the unique anatomic characteristics. Roundness of medial canthal area and a narrow, short palpebral fissure are aesthetic consequences of this anatomic features. But, the idea of beauty has changed with time by influence of western culture. Many people are favorable to the wide open eye without epicanthal fold, which make improved facial balance. Double-eyelid operation is the most commonly performed procedure of aesthetic surgery field in Korea. However, many cases of successfully done double-eyelid operation results in only partial improvement by leaving medial epicanthal folds. We can get the improved results by utilizing epicanthopasty that lengthens the palpebral fissure, and thus producing the image of a larger, open eye. Consequently the requirements for epicanthoplasty has increased in modern time. The Uchida's split V-W plasty is one of the most frequently used methods. But, it has disadvantages of completely exposed scar, potential for dog-ear formation, and two stage procedure with some cases of double-eyelid operation. We modified the Uchida's method by moving the position of 2 triangular flaps more laterally and conjoining the incision line of double-eyelid operation with that of epicanthoplasty. The purposes of our modification are not complete elimination but relieving the epicanthal fold, hiding the minimal scar behind the new relieved the new relieved fold and preventing the dog-ear on the transitional zone. From January, 1995 to June, 1999, this method was applied to 93 patients who have medial epicanthal folds and performed with double-eyelid operation concomitantly. Age ranged From 12 to 47 years and the mean age was 23 years. Through the mean 15 months of follow up, the mean widening of the palpebral fissure width was 2.5mm and the mean reduction of the intercanthal distance was 5mm. The modified Uchida's method has advantages of simplicity in procedure, effectiveness in results, minimal scarring with hiding behind the new small fold, and one stage procedure with double-eyelid operation. We think it can be applied generally to almost of all double-eyelid operation except epicanthal fold is marked severe.

MeSH Terms

Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Beauty
Cicatrix
Eyelids
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Korea