Our Summary

This research paper looks into a common issue that can arise from blepharoplasty - a type of eyelid surgery. Sometimes, patients can end up with what’s called a “lateral canthal web” - an unwanted skin fold at the corner of the eye. This can happen if the surgeon removes too much skin or makes an incision in the wrong place.

The researchers looked back at surgeries performed by one surgeon between 2011 and 2019. All the patients had previously had an eyelid surgery and had developed this skin fold issue. They came from various places and their original surgeries were done by a range of specialists.

To fix this, the surgeon used a technique called a “single Z-plasty”. This is a surgical method that rearranges tissue to change the direction of a scar or to relieve tension.

The study found that after having the Z-plasty, all the patients reported being happier with both the look and function of their eyelids. None of them needed any further surgery.

The conclusion was that the single Z-plasty technique is easy to use and effective at fixing this particular problem. It could be a helpful addition to any cosmetic practice’s toolkit.

FAQs

  1. What is a “lateral canthal web” that can result from blepharoplasty?
  2. What is a “single Z-plasty” technique and how does it help to fix the issue of a skin fold at the corner of the eye?
  3. What were the results of the study on the effectiveness of the single Z-plasty technique?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing Z-plasty surgery to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including keeping the incision site clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities that could strain the area, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. They may also advise the patient on managing any discomfort or swelling with pain medication and cold compresses. Additionally, the doctor may recommend using scar-reducing creams or silicone sheets to help improve the appearance of the scar over time.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for Z-plasty are those who have developed unwanted skin folds or scarring as a result of previous surgeries, such as blepharoplasty. In this particular study, patients who had undergone eyelid surgery and developed a lateral canthal web were recommended for Z-plasty to correct the issue. These patients may come from various backgrounds and may have had surgeries performed by different specialists. Z-plasty can be an effective technique for rearranging tissue and improving the appearance and function of the affected area.

Timeline

Timeline:

Before Z-plasty:

  • Patient undergoes initial blepharoplasty surgery
  • Patient develops lateral canthal web as a complication
  • Patient seeks consultation with surgeon for corrective procedure

After Z-plasty:

  • Patient undergoes Z-plasty procedure
  • Patient experiences improved appearance and function of eyelids
  • Patient reports satisfaction with results
  • Patient does not require further surgery

Overall, the entire process from initial blepharoplasty surgery to corrective Z-plasty procedure can vary in length depending on individual circumstances, but typically occurs over a period of weeks to months.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a Z-plasty and how does it work to fix a lateral canthal web?
  2. What are the potential risks or complications associated with Z-plasty surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery time after Z-plasty surgery?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could also fix this issue?
  6. How many Z-plasty surgeries have you performed for this specific issue, and what is your success rate?
  7. Can you show me before and after photos of patients who have had Z-plasty surgery for a lateral canthal web?
  8. What should I expect in terms of scarring after Z-plasty surgery?
  9. How soon after the surgery will I see the final results?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after having a Z-plasty for a lateral canthal web?

Reference

Authors: Fowler J, Moore CC. Journal: J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 Sep 16;51(1):34. doi: 10.1186/s40463-022-00585-7. PMID: 36114564