Epicanthoplasty Using Y-M Plasty

Kim, Dae Hee; Yoon, Sung Won; Kim, Chung Hun

Abstract

Lots of Koreans have relatively thick skin, small palpebral fissures and unfolded eyelids with a prominent epicanthal fold. Various methods have been developed to correct epicanthal fold. However, excessive or hypertrophic scar can be occurred, especially in the medial canthal and nasal area. And the recurrence may restrict the application of these methods. We developed a new epicanthoplasty using Y-M plasty to correct the epicanthal folds without obvious scar. From February 1999 to August 2010, all patients underwent Y-M plasty for the correction of epicanthal folds. Y-shaped incision line was designed not extending to the nasal area and the orbicularis oculi muscles were resected with skin. The dog ear deformities were corrected and sutured using nylon 7-0. The epicanthal folds were completely corrected. Prominent scar and recurrence were not observed. Most of the patients are satisfied with the results. Mean preoperative ICD(intercanthal distance) was 38.84 mm and average 2.24 mm ICD was reduced after the operation. Epicanthoplasty using Y-M plasty is relatively safe, easy and rapid method to design and apply even in the beginners with low risk of scars and recurrences. So, the authors propose this new versatile technique in the case of minimal to moderate epicanthal folds.