A Skin Crease Preserving Modification of Open-Sky Mullerectomy for Blepharoptosis Correction.

Purpose: To report the results of skin crease preservation with a modified technique of open-sky Muller's muscle-conjunctival resection that precludes the need to reconstruct the upper eyelid skin crease with full thickness sutures.

Methods: A nonrandomized, retrospective audit of 45 eyelids of 37 consecutive patients with acquired blepharoptosis, undergoing surgical correction by a single surgeon, between November 2011 and July 2014. Surgical technique involved subtotal resection of Muller's muscle plus underlying conjunctiva, under direct visualization. The stump of Muller's muscle was then reattached to the superior tarsus with buried 7-0 Vicryl. Wound closure was achieved using interrupted buried 7-0 Vicryl, without full thickness skin crease reformation. Outcomes were evaluated according to standards recommended by the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society National Ptosis survey. These included assessment of upper margin reflex distance (MRD1), skin crease, eyelid contour and symmetry and surgical complications.

Results: In total, all 45 eyelids met the outcome criteria for success. The median MRD1 increased from 0 mm preoperatively (range: -2 to 2) to 3.1 mm (range: 3-5 mm) following surgery, p value < 0.01. For patients with unilateral blepharoptosis, the average postoperative eyelid height difference between right and left was 0.17 mm (range: 0-1 mm). All patients achieved good eyelid contour and symmetry and none required reoperation as assessed at final follow up following surgery (mean 77 days, range: 24-366). Skin crease was lowered and normalized in all patients with median preoperative and postoperative measurements of 12 mm and 10 mm, respectively, p value < 0.01. Two cases (4.4%) developed early asymptomatic superficial punctate keratopathy, which resolved spontaneously by 4 weeks. Nonstandardized patient experience survey achieved high scores for overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend treatment to friends and family, with low scores for postoperative pain and swelling.

Conclusions: Skin Crease Preserving modified open-sky Muller's muscle-conjunctival resection is an effective technique for correcting blepharoptosis, while normalizing the skin crease.