The orbicularis oculi muscle resection technique for medial epicanthoplasty: A retrospective review of surgical outcomes in 47 Chinese patients

Summary Background Epicanthal folds and single eyelids are considered characteristic East Asian traits. This study describes a new approach to medial epicanthoplasty based on an orbicularis oculi muscle resection technique and reports the surgical outcomes in Chinese patients. Methods The study presents an uncontrolled retrospective case series review of 47 Chinese patients who underwent medial epicanthoplasty with double eyelid surgery from December 2010 to December 2014 by traditional medial epicanthoplasty (Group I, n = 23) or medial epicanthoplasty using the orbicularis oculi muscle resection technique (Group II, n = 24). Horizontal lid fissure length (HLFL), inner intercanthal distance (IICD), and the HLFL/IICD ratio were measured preoperatively and at 6-month follow-up. Within group and between group comparisons were performed using paired t -test, independent t -test, and Chi-square test. Pre- and postoperative photographic images were compared. Results In Group I, mean IICD decreased from 38.8 ± 1.06 mm preoperatively to 33.7 ± 0.93 mm postoperatively, and mean HLFL increased from 24.9 ± 1.27 to 29.6 ± 0.63 mm ( p