Histopathological findings in blepharopigmentation (eyelid tattoo).

We treated three patients with implantation of iron oxide pigment into the margin of the lateral eyelid followed by excision of that region 1 hour later in one patient, 5 days later in the second and 18 months later in the third. Histopathological examination of the specimens obtained 1 hour and 5 days after tattooing revealed persistence of the pigment implant as free granules in the epidermis and dermis. In the specimen resected 18 months after tattooing most of the residual pigment was found within macrophages in the dermis and focally in the endomysial connective tissue of the superficial orbicularis oculi muscle. There were no substantial deleterious effects on the treated tissues.

The value of cryoprobe-assisted removal of orbital tumors.

Freezing a tumor and using a cryoprobe for removing a noninfiltrative space-occupying orbital lesion helps greatly in removal of a tumor. The cryoprobe minimizes the potential problem of tearing the capsule of the tumor, decreases bleeding at the time of removal of an hemangioma, and plays a role in removing tumors, either benign or malignant, after they have been biopsied. It is possible that freezing a tumor decreases the potential spilling of tumor cells into the orbit through the biopsy site and upon the delivery of the tumor itself.

Modification of Bick's procedure for treatment of eyelid laxity.

A modification of Bick's procedure is presented that offers a simple, effective treatment of ectropion and entropion secondary to eyelid laxity. A full-thickness lid-shortening procedure performed at the lateral canthus avoids lid notching, with good cosmetic results. The success of the procedure is determined by suture of the tarsus directly to the orbital periosteum. The modification of Bick's procedure improves the outcome of the operation and simplifies its performance.