The orbicularis oculi muscle resection technique for medial epicanthoplasty: A retrospective review of surgical outcomes in 47 Chinese patients

SummaryBackgroundEpicanthal folds and single eyelids are considered characteristic East Asian traits. This study describes a new approach to medial epicanthoplasty based on an orbicularis oculi muscle resection technique and reports the surgical outcomes in Chinese patients.MethodsThe study presents an uncontrolled retrospective case series review of 47 Chinese patients who underwent medial epicanthoplasty with double eyelid surgery from December 2010 to December 2014 by traditional medial epicanthoplasty (Group I, n = 23) or medial epicanthoplasty using the orbicularis oculi muscle resection technique (Group II, n = 24). Horizontal lid fissure length (HLFL), inner intercanthal distance (IICD), and the HLFL/IICD ratio were measured preoperatively and at 6-month follow-up. Within group and between group comparisons were performed using paired t-test, independent t-test, and Chi-square test. Pre- and postoperative photographic images were compared.ResultsIn Group I, mean IICD decreased from 38.8 ± 1.06 mm preoperatively to 33.7 ± 0.93 mm postoperatively, and mean HLFL increased from 24.9 ± 1.27 to 29.6 ± 0.63 mm (p < 0.01). The HLFL/IICD ratio increased to 0.237 ± 0.05 (p < 0.0001). In Group II, mean IICD decreased from 38.7 ± 1.30 mm preoperatively to 32.2 ± 1.13 mm postoperatively, and mean HLFL increased from 24.5 ± 1.72 to 30.6 ± 1.08 mm (p < 0.01). The HLFL/IICD ratio increased to 0.315 ± 0.047 (p < 0.0001). The improvement in the HLFL/IICD ratio was significantly higher in Group II than in Group I (p < 0.001). All patients obtained satisfactory results with no complications.ConclusionsMedial epicanthoplasty using the orbicularis oculi muscle resection technique is safe and effective for epicanthal fold correction in Chinese patients.