Treatment of mild and moderate congenital ptosis via the levator imbrication technique

Abstract

Background

To correct mild and moderate congenital ptosis, traditional surgical techniques usually include dissection of the Müller’s muscle. Meanwhile, both the levator palpebrae superioris and the Müller’s muscle play a synergistic role to elevate the upper eyelid. Thus, to protect the Müller muscle and minimize injury, we developed and applied a levator imbrication technique in patients with mild and moderate congenital ptosis and followed it up to evaluate its clinical efficacy.

Methods

This retrospective case series included 53 patients with mild and moderate congenital ptosis, all of whom had undergone ptosis correction using the levator imbrication technique at the Plastic and Aesthetic Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between June 2018 and June 2020. The outcomes of correction, upper eyelid appearance, and operative complications were observed and analyzed. The postoperative follow-up was 3–12 months.

Results

Fifty cases of ptosis were fully corrected, and the bilateral double eyelids were smooth and natural. The eyelids of 20 patients were incompletely closed immediately after the operation but were able to close spontaneously within 2 weeks. No serious complications such as exposure keratitis were reported. Three patients with undercorrection underwent reoperation 3 months after the first operation, and ptosis was corrected.

Conclusion

The levator imbrication technique for mild and moderate congenital ptosis is simple to perform and shortens the operation time with less damage, stable postoperative outcomes, and no long-term complications.