Introduction: To report our technique and experience in using a minimally invasive approach for aesthetic lateral canthoplasty.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing lateral canthoplasty through a minimally invasive, upper eyelid crease incision approach at Jules Stein Eye Institute by one surgeon (R.A.G.) between 2005 and 2008. Concomitant surgical procedures were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative photographs at the longest follow-up visit were analyzed and graded for functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Results: A total of 600 patients (1,050 eyelids) underwent successful lateral canthoplasty through a small incision in the upper eyelid crease to correct lower eyelid malposition (laxity, ectropion, entropion, retraction) and/or lateral canthal dystopia, encompassing 806 reconstructive and 244 cosmetic lateral canthoplasties. There were 260 males and 340 females, with mean age of 55 years old (range, 4-92 years old). Minimum follow-up time was 3 months (mean, 6 months; maximum, 6 years). Complications were rare and minor, including transient postoperative chemosis. Eighteen patients underwent reoperation in the following 2 years for recurrent lower eyelid malposition and/or lateral canthal deformity.
Conclusions: Lateral canthoplasty through a minimally invasive upper eyelid crease incision and resuspension technique can effectively address lower eyelid laxity and/or dystopia, resulting in an aesthetic lateral canthus.