Reporting outcomes of hyaluronic gel filler as a treatment for epiblepharon

Abstract

Purpose: Epiblepharon occurs when an extra skin fold overlaps on the eyelid margin with the isolated form mainly seen in children of east Asian origin. If symptomatic and the use of conservative measures such as lubricants have failed, surgery is usually indicated. This traditionally involves everting sutures or combined skin excision, such as a modified Hotz procedure. However, a temporizing non-surgical alternative to a skin removal procedure, especially if the natural history is for improvement as the child grows older, would be ideal. Methods: This is a retrospective single-centre case review of epiblepharon cases treated with hyaluronic acid (HA; Restylane, Galderma UK) treated in the past 5 years by a single surgeon (RM). Institutional review board approval was obtained. Success is defined as improvement or stabilization of the class and/or keratopathy score of the epiblepharon. Results: Five patients were identified with epiblepharon between 2012 and 2017 who had hyaluronic acid filler to 8 eyelids. Six eyelids had improvement, 1 remained stable and 1 was worse equating to an 87% success rate; however, 2 opted for reversal using hyaluronidase due to aesthetic reasons. Two went on to have further surgery as they partially responded to filler treatment. Conclusion: This study provides further proof of concept that HA is a simple non-surgical and reversible option that may avoid the need for surgery for epiblepharon in selected cases. It may even be considered in older children or adolescents with the caveat that fullness may require hyaluronidase to dissolve.