Abstract

Blepharoplasty incorporating epicanthoplasty using the scar-hiding procedure

Author(s): Fang Yan Jia, Lei Xiong, Li Hong Qiu, Jin Yan, Jialiang Chen & Cheng Gang Yi*

Background: Epicanthoplasty incorporating blepharoplasty is the most popular option of cosmetic surgeries in Asians. Thus, it is very important to develop a scar-hiding procedure. Here, we introduce a new procedure for correcting epicanthus folds incorporating blepharoplasty to hide post-surgical scars. Method: We retrospectively compared post-surgical scars on the epicanthus, using the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES), between this procedure and the Y-V procedure. A total of 342 patients underwent blepharoplasty incorporating epicanthoplasty using this scar-hiding procedure from September 2013 to December 2014 in our department (group A). And 260 patients’ follow-up period is longer than 6 months. A total of 278 patients underwent Y-V epicanthoplasty incorporating blepharoplasty from September 2011 to October 2012 (group B). And 189 patients’ follow-up period is longer than 6 months. On the 3rd month and 6th month after surgery, patients indicated their satisfaction with the scar on the canthus area by the standard 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). In addition, the scar on the medial canthus area was evaluated by two anonymous, independent plastic surgeons based on digital images by using Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES). These surgeons were not part of the study. Results: Patients were significantly more satisfied with the scar-hiding procedure than the Y-V procedure, as indicated by the VAS scores (95.2 vs. 90.5, respectively, p<0.05). Moreover, the scar-hiding procedure achieved better SBSES scores. Conclusions: The scar-hiding procedure is easy to design and perform, and completely hides post-surgical scars. It is recommended for Asian people with epicanthus. Level of Evidence: Level V, clinical experience.