Correction of involutional entropion with suborbicularis septal and lateral canthal tightening.

Background: Involutional entropion, or infolding of the margin of the eyelid, is a common eyelid malposition affecting the elderly that can lead to significant morbidity when not corrected. It is notable for both functional and cosmetic sequelae. Numerous surgical techniques have been described to correct this defect; however, because of its multifactorial pathophysiology, no single procedure has been entirely satisfactory. In this study, the authors present a simple and effective surgical procedure that addresses the salient pathophysiology and successfully corrects this defect with minimal morbidity or chance of recurrence.

Methods: Two hundred fifty-three patients (409 eyelids) with involutional entropion who underwent surgical repair from 1995 to 2004 were analyzed. All patients were symptomatic, ranging in age from 61 to 96 years (115 men and 138 women). All patients underwent lateral canthal lysis, suborbicularis and supraorbicularis undermining, canthoplasty, and lateral muscle suspension with septal tightening.

Results: All 409 eyelids with symptomatic involutional entropion were successfully corrected. All patients were satisfied with both the functional and cosmetic outcome and experienced a short recovery time. Objective examination revealed a marked improvement in static and dynamic lower eyelid position and alleviation of the herniated lateral orbital fat. There were no complications or entropion recurrences.

Conclusions: Involutional entropion is frequently encountered in the elderly. Ideal treatment addresses horizontal lid laxity, improves vertical support, prevents preseptal orbicularis override, and reinserts the lower lid retractors. With the direct, easily executed and effective surgical procedure presented here, both functional and aesthetic improvements can be obtained. This procedure should be included among the techniques used by every surgeon who treats functional and cosmetic problems in the periocular region.