Epicanthoplasty with Simple Excision Technique

ABSTRACT

Epicanthoplasty with or without double-eyelid operation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedure in Korea. Although many techniques have been described for the elimination of epicanthal folds, scarring and complexity in design are still barriers for surgeons to overcome. Epicanthoplasty using Hiraga's method was used to minimize these problems. From September of 1996 to July of 2002, the authors performed epicanthoplasty using Hiraga's method on the eyelids of 117 Asian patients to correct epicanthal folds. Results were satisfactory in almost all patients, with no significant complications. Scarring was acceptable. Mean reduction of intercanthal distance was 3.7 mm and mean operation time was within 10 minutes. Hiraga's method is most effective in patients with mild to moderate epicanthal fold. The advantages of this procedure are simplicity in design and short operation time. Most of all, it's technically simple and easy to perform.