title: A novel technique for small-incision fascia lata harvesting without a fasciatome for the frontalis suspension procedure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To introduce a small-incision technique for fascia lata (FL) harvesting for the frontalis suspension blepharoptosis procedure. TECHNIQUE AND METHODS: A skin incision was made along a line between the lateral condyle of the tibia and the anterior superior iliac crest, starting 4-5 cm above the knee and extending upward 2-2.5 cm. Approximately 8 cm superior to the first incision, a second skin incision was made with the same length. The FL was dissected from the subcutaneous tissue from 1 cm above the superior border of the upper incision to 1 cm below the inferior border of the lower incision. A 15 mm x 5-10 mm strip of FL was excised. The fascial defect was left open. Subcutaneous and deep layers were closed with three 4-0 plain catgut sutures and the skin was closed with subcuticular 5-0 prolene sutures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The technique was used in 22 patients from 4 to 47 years of age (mean: 18.29) for 34 frontalis sling procedures. Mean follow-up time was 6.17 (3-16) months. Wound hematoma (1/22, 4.5%), wound discharge (2/22, 9%), pain at rest (100%, for up to 4 days), pain on walking (20/ 22, 90%; for up to 3 weeks), and limping (13/22, 59.1%; for up to 7 days) were the main postoperative complications. No significant skin scar was observed and none of the patients needed scar revision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The small-incision FL harvesting procedure is a good alternative method when the FL stripper is not available.
authors: Oculoplastic Service, Eye Research Center, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. bahmanik@yahoo.com
authors: Mohsen Bahmani
authors: MB
authors: Kashkouli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001763:Blepharoptosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome