Absorbable Suture Anchor Technique A Method for Postblepharoplasty Lower Eyelid Ectropion Treatment

Postblepharoplasty ectropion is a very complex problem to deal with because its relevance is far to be only a functional complaint. Therefore, the best surgical approach requires both aesthetic and functional consideration. Here, we introduce the absorbable suture anchor technique, which can meet both needs, and its surgical procedure is simple and effective and has excellent stability for long-term results. This series included only ectropion patients caused by lower eyelid blepharoplasty, with or without receiving revision surgery. Forty-seven cases (64 eyes) were treated by a single surgeon through this method. Forty-six patients (97.9%) displayed adequate correction of the eyelid ectropion and a marked degree of improvement both in aesthetic terms and with regard to the functional disorders reported. One patient (2.1%) presented complications but brought under control after drainage and dressing change. His previous symptoms were also largely relieved. Absorbable suture anchor technique is an effective, minimally invasive, and safe method to correct postblepharoplasty ectropion. Objective: In this study, we describe an absorbable suture anchor technique and its outcomes in the repair of ectropion caused by lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Methods: From December 2017 to January 2021, 47 patients (64 eyes) with lower eyelid ectropion were treated with this technique (mean age, 43 years; age range, 27-61 years). This series included only patients with ectropion caused by lower eyelid blepharoplasty, with or without revision surgery. Patients were assessed with the Ectropion Grading Scale and distraction test preoperatively. All patients first underwent the release of middle lamellar adhesions and scar tissue, and then, the absorbable suture anchor technique was used to suspend the lower eyelid; 9 patients also underwent eyelid wedge excision because of severe lower eyelid laxity. Results: The success rate was 100% for grade I-III and Vectropion and 95% for grade IV. The overall success rate was 98%. In terms of correction iterations, the success rate 100% for patients undergoing their first reconstructive surgery and 90% for patients who had 1 or more reconstructive surgeries. Surgical success was defined in terms of the Ectropion Grading Scale and clinical examination. One patient (1 eye) developed a lower eyelid tissue infection that was controlled with drainage and dressing changes; his previous symptoms were largely relieved. Conclusions: The absorbable suture anchor technique is an effective, minimally invasive, and safe method for correcting postblepharoplasty lower eyelid ectropion.