Medial epicanthoplasty using the skin redraping method.

Background: The presence of epicanthal folds and the absence of supratarsal folds are unique features in the eyelids of Asians. The resulting appearance leads many to seek cosmetic improvement in the medial canthal area. Although many techniques have been described for the elimination of epicanthal folds, scarring and design complexity are barriers that must still be overcome by surgeons.

Methods: From December of 2002 to December of 2004, the authors performed medial epicanthoplasties using the skin redraping method (tension-free epicanthoplasty) to correct epicanthal folds in the eyelids of 215 Asian patients. The authors' method is very simple to design and easy to perform. The procedure requires only the elevation of skin, eliminating volume of muscle, and trimming of skin. Other ancillary procedures, such as flap design, anchoring, plication, or subdermal fixation, are not required.

Results: Most of the patients obtained satisfactory results. No patients complained about visible scarring and none required revision surgery. Scarring can be avoided on the noticeable medial canthal region because the only incisions needed are supratarsal and subciliary incisions. The ability to avoid tension resulting from skin redraping is another important factor contributing to the minimization of scarring.

Conclusions: The skin redraping method is simple to design and easy to perform. It does not create tension or visible scars on the medial canthal region.