title: Evolution of the lateral canthoplasty: techniques and indications.
abstract: Lateral canthoplasty is a useful method to restore eyelid function and to protect the ocular surfaces. The success of the procedure depends on the proper analysis of periorbital anatomy as it relates to the specific indication for lateral canthoplasty. We report the experience with 1565 lateral canthoplasties with emphasis on the evaluation of newer techniques that better address anatomic and functional requirements. Between 1981 and 1994, 1565 lateral canthoplasties were performed in 684 patients. Of these, 1369 "reconstructive" lateral canthoplasties were performed in 586 patients and 196 "cosmetic" lateral canthoplasties were performed in 98 patients. All operations were performed by a single surgeon (Jelks), and follow-up ranged from 1 to 14 years. The evolution of the operative technique for lateral canthoplasty has been toward an operation that corresponds with the anatomy of the individual. Indications for the procedure include lateral canthal dystopia, horizontal lid laxity, ectropion, entropion, lid margin eversion, lid retraction with or without soft-tissue deficiency, and aesthetic improvement. The types of procedures performed will be reviewed in detail. The evaluation of the newer forms of lateral canthoplasty as unique reconstructive tools and as adjuncts to aesthetic surgery will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, New York University Medical Center, N.Y., USA.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Glat
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Jelks
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Jelks
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gadangi
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Longaker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019882:Blepharoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003560:Cysts / Q000209:etiology; D004483:Ectropion / Q000601:surgery; D004774:Entropion / Q000601:surgery; D004954:Esthetics; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005143:Eyelids / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006099:Granuloma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology