Epicanthoplasty Using Modified Uchida Method to Shift an Epicanthal Fold in a Superomedial Direction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The presence of epicanthal fold and the absence of supratarsal fold are characteristics of Korean eyelids. There has been many surgical procedures to eliminate medial epicanthal fold but those procedures focus on the lengthening of horizontal palpebral fissure and the shortening of intercanthal distance so that the shape of eye had tendency to be sharp. The authors suggest that the supermedial shifting of epicanthal fold enhance the aesthetic result. METHODS: From Sep 2006 to May 2007, total 17 women(mean age 22) with Type III epicanthal fold underwent epicanthoplasty using author's modified Uchida method. The design for epicanthoplasty was drawn superolaterally along epicanthal fold and split V-W plasty was done to shift the epicanthal fold superomedially. Also non-incisional double-eyelid operation was underwent. RESULTS: The epicanthal fold was shifted in superomedially, intercanthal distance was shortened and double-eyelid was achieved. The patients were satisfied with the result and no major complication was noted. CONCLUSION: This method can be effective in correcting the epicanthal fold of Korean eyelid by shifting the epicanthal fold superomedially to make the shape of eye aesthetically without noticeable scar.