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This abstract is assigned to session SBO-BOG Free papers: Miscellanous

Title

Canthopexy as a stabilising procedure in aesthetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty: technique and results

Purpose	One of the dramatic complications that might arise after aesthetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty is removal of excess skin, postoperative scleral show, and lateral canthal malpositioning. Routine canthal support is often performed using either canthopexy or a lateral tarsal strip procedure. This study reviewed the outcome of 20 consecutive primary lower transcutaneous or transconjunctival blepharoplasty procedures. Lateral canthal support consisted of canthopexy alone.
Methods	A retrospective analysis of 20 consecutive lower blepharoplasty procedures using canthopexy as a stabilising procedure for the lateral canthal tendon was carried out. Standardized photographs obtained before and after surgery were evaluated. The angle between the pupillary centre and the lateral canthus was measured, as well as the distance between the pupillary centre and the lateral canthus. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative measurements was calculated.
Results	lower eyelid blepharoplasty using canthopexy as a stabilising procedure for the lateral canthal ligament adequately prevents postoperative lower eyelid malpositioning
Conclusion	Lateral canthal support can adequately prevent lower eyelid malpositioning after aesthetic lower eyelid surgery. If the postoperative position of the lateral canthus is not always higher than in the preoperative period, at least lowering of the lateral angle and scleral show can be prevented. In case of a lateral canthal laxity of less than 10 mm, canthopexy could be considered a routine component of lower transcutaneous or transconjunctival blepharoplasty to obtain the desired aesthetic result and maintain the natural appearance of the eyelid. The associated complication rate is extremely low.

Author 1

Last name	GOES
Initials	FM
Department	Goes Eye Centre
City	Antwerp