Anterior lamellar recession, blepharoplasty, and supratarsal fixation for cicatricial upper eyelid entropion without lagophthalmos.

PURPOSE: To assess the results of anterior lamellar recession, blepharoplasty, and supratarsal fixation procedure in patients with upper eyelid cicatricial entropion without lagophthalmos.

METHODS

In a prospective interventional case series, 52 eyelids (32 patients) were included (April 2009-December 2010). Excluded were patients with previous eyelid surgeries, lagophthalmos, and <12 months of follow-up. Using a microscope, after recessing anterior lamella 3-4 mm above the eyelid margin, it was fixed with 4-5 interrupted 6-0 vicryl sutures. Excess anterior lamella was then excised (blepharoplasty), supratarsal fixation sutures (6-0 vicryl) were put and the skin was closed with 6-0 nylon sutures. Success and failure defined based upon eyelash-globe touch on the last follow-up visit (at least 12 months), respectively.

RESULTS

There were 21 females (65.6%) and 11 males (34.4%) with a mean age of 69.7 years (SD=6.9) and mean follow-up of 21.06 months (SD=8.26). Success was observed in 39 (75%) and failure in 13 (25%). Mean time of failure was 4.5 months (SD=3). Although re-treatment with radio-frequency electrolysis (eight eyelids) and re-anterior lamellar recession (two eyelids) resulted in success in 12 eyelids with failure, two patients (three eyelids) declined further procedure. Except for thickened eyelid margin, no complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

Anterior lamellar recession, blepharoplasty, and supratarsal fixation procedure is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of the upper eyelid cicatricial entropion without lagophthalmos.