Epicanthoplasty is a rare
eye surgery
Eye surgery, also known as ophthalmic surgery or ocular surgery, is surgery performed on the eye or its adnexa. Eye surgery is part of ophthalmology and is performed by an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon. The eye is a fragile organ, and require ...
to modify the
epicanthal folds. It can be a challenging procedure because the epicanthal folds overlay the
lacrimal canaliculi
The lacrimal canaliculi (: canaliculus) are the small channels in each eyelid that drain lacrimal fluid, from the lacrimal puncta to the lacrimal sac. This forms part of the lacrimal apparatus that drains lacrimal fluid from the surface of the e ...
(tear drainage canals).
Although an epicanthic fold can also be associated with a less prominent upper eyelid crease (a feature commonly termed "single eyelids" as opposed to "double eyelids"), the two features are distinct; a person may have both epicanthal folds and an upper eyelid crease, one and not the other, or neither.
[Lam Facial Plastic]
"Asian Blepharoplasty".
Retrieved July 12, 2012. Single eyelids are reshaped using
East Asian blepharoplasty.
Epicanthoplasty may leave visible post-surgical scar lines. A common corrective technique involves using
Z-plasty
Z-plasty is a versatile plastic surgery technique that is used to improve the functional and cosmetic appearance of scars. It can elongate a contracted scar or rotate the scar tension line. The middle line of the Z-shaped incision (the central el ...
.
See also
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References
Oculoplastic surgery
Cosmetic surgery
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