Correction of the epicanthal fold using the VM-plasty

Abstract

The VM-plasty combines the principles of YV-plasty and multiple Z-plasty. It consists of three V flaps. For correction of the epicanthal fold, both A and B V-flaps were designed on the outer surface and the C V-flap was designed on the inner surface of the fold. The vertical tissue deficiency of the epicanthal fold was reconstructed with the C V-flap which brought additional tissue from the inner surface of the fold. The VM-plasty for epicanthoplasty was used alone in 8 patients, in combination with double eyelid surgery in 51 young patients and in combination with blepharoplasty and double eyelid surgery in 26 patients who had blepharochalasis. Redness of the incisions was a common complaint but this settled within 2-3 months postoperatively. The zigzag incisions of the VM-plasty were blended with the anatomic lines. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.