• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.281-289
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• 2004

Objective : Blepharoptosis is drooping of eyelid which causes impairment of visual field by covering partially or completely, and it is classified into congenital ptosis and acquired one. In western medicine, idiopathic blepharoptosis is usually treated by tarsectomy. Contrary to that concept, we consider eyelid is assigned to Yookryoon(肉輪) among Ohryoon(五輪) which matches to spleen. In oriental medicine, it can be treated by promoting spleen and kidney. Here I report two cases of idiopathic blepharoptosis improved by conservative acupuncture therapy and herb medicine. Methods : The changes in clinical symptoms of general body weakness, anorexia, dizziness, dry eye, etc, in degree of eyelid drooping and in individual expression were described as they were treated with acupuncture therapy, herb medicine, Bojoong-ikgi-tang(補中益氣湯) and some physical therapy including Negative, I.C.T, S.S.P and Carbon. Results : Symptoms(ex) general body weakness, anorexia, dizziness, dry eye, etc) at admission improved and disappeared gradually with acupuncture therapy and herb medicine. The patients could discharge with favorable recovery. Conclusions : In oriental medicine, blepharoptosis is mainly treated by promoting Qihyul(氣血) and enhancing flow of that. If the patient has deficiency of Suhnchun-poomboo(先天稟褓賦) and Mungmoon-hwa(命門火), he is treated by promoting Shin-yang(腎陽). If he is weak in Bee-qi(脾氣), he needs to be treated by strengthening Bee-yang(脾陽) where patient with lack of Ganhyul(肝血) is supposed to be treated by promoting Hyul(血). These following two cases were managed by acupuncture, herb medicine and physical therapy on idiopathic blepharoptosis.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.219-226
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• 2005

Muller's muscle-levator aponeurosis advancement procedure was performed to correct mild to moderate congenital blepharoptosis with moderate to good levator function and to correct severe aquired blepharoptosis with poor levator function. Through the blepharoplasty incision, the upper half of the tarsal plate was exposed and the orbital septum was opened to show the levator aponeurosis. The Muller's muscle was dissected from the superior margin of the tarsal plate and from the posteriorly located conjunctiva with sharp scissors. The Muller's muscle and levator aponeurosis were advanced on the anterior surface of the tarsal plate as a composite flap and fixed approximately 3 to 4 mm inferior to the upper edge of the tarsal plate with three horizontal 6-0 nylon mattress sutures. The amount of advancement of the composite flap was controlled by the location of the upper eyelid margin 2 mm below the upper limbus in primary gaze after the first suture in the middle portion of the flap. The excess flap was trimmed off with scissors, but trimming was usually not necessary in cases of mild to moderate ptosis. Nine cases underwent this Muller's muscle-levator aponeurosis advancement procedure from September 2003 to September 2004. Five cases were congenital blepharoptosis with 2-4 mm ptosis and more than 5 mm of levator function, but three of the four acquired ptosis cases had more than 4 mm ptosis with poor levator function. The age of the patients ranged from 7 to 81 years. In operative results, all patients except one traumatic case were within 1 mm of the desired eyelid height in primary gaze. This procedure can provide not only tightening of the Muller's muscle but also advancement and firm fixation of the levator aponeurosis to the tarsal plate, yielding predictable results.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.465-471
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• 2011

Purpose: Blepharoptosis is often associated with telecanthus and the presence of epicanthal fold in telecanthus is one of unique features in Asian eyelids. The purpose of this article is to define telecanthus and pseudotelecanthus, and to determine optimal surgical procedure depending on classification of telecanthus. Methods: Among 187 patients with blepharoptosis who had the advancement procedure of the Muller's musclelevator aponeurosis composite flap for ptosis, 55 patients underwent Flowers' split V-W plasty concomitantly with shortening the medial canthal tendon for correction of telecanthus from September 2003 to January 2011. Among them, 52 patients were followed up for 16 months. We newly defined telecanthus because Mustarde ratio is inaccurate to measure in certain cases and then made a definition of pseudotelecanthus. Besides, we also classified telecanthus into mild, moderate and severe types based on its severity. Results: Telecanthus is defined when the ICD (inner canthal distance) is greater than 110% of normal ICD. Pseudotelecanthus is a telecanthus like a wide skin bridge formed between the eyes because of the epicanthal fold in the normal ICD. Flowers' split V-W plasty combined with shortening medial canthal tendon was very effective in mild and moderate telecanthus with almost invisible scar and no recurrence occurring. In severe types, however, it showed high incidence (28%) of incomplete correction of telecanthus. Conclusion: New definition of telecanthus can be easily applied to any case and we think the classification of telecanthus is useful to select an appropriate operative procedure. Split V-W plasty with shortening of medial canthal tendon is a very effective procedure in mild and moderate telecanthus. Besides, it is also effective in improving the treatment outcomes of ptosis in cases of blepharoptosis associated with telecanthus.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.36-40
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• 2013

Background: Correction of unilateral blepharoptosis is unexpectedly difficult because healthy eye is often affected by Hering's law. Methods: We measured changes of marginal reflex distance (MRD1) on the unaffected eyelids between preoperative and 3-month postoperative photographs after ptosis correction. This study analyzed 134 unilateral blepharoptosis patients with ptosis correction from February 2002 to February 2011. Fifty patients among them were negative in Hering's law dependence test. From the preoperative and postoperative photographs the MRD1 of unaffected upper eyelids were measured and adjusted with the average pupil diameter of Koreans. Mean age was 34.4 and male was 30 and female was 20. Average follow-up periods were 14 months. Results: Thirteenth unaffected eyes (26%) showed decreased MRD1, and 3 patients (6%) showed decreased MRD1 value over 1.0 mm. Then 3 patients needed additional operations for correction of preoperatively unaffected but ptotic eyelids. Conclusion: There were no meaningful data statistically in the value of MRD1 in every unaffected eye of the patients and in the difference between preoperative and postoperative MRD1 of groups divided according to severity, causes, and types of operation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.211-220
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• 2009

Purpose: Even in a small levator resection for blepharoptosis, 10 ~ 13 mm of $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle and levator aponeurosis is resected. To solve the problem, $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle was detached from the superior tarsal border and conjunctiva, and the muscle with overlying levator aponeurosis was advanced on the upper tarsus as a composite flap. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle - levator aponeurosis complex advancement technique for the correction of blepharoptosis. Methods: Between 2003 and 2008, 107 patients(183 eyes) underwent the advancement procedure of the $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle - levator aponeurosis composite flap for blepharoptosis. The advanced composite flap was fixed 3 mm below the superior tarsal border and 2 ~ 3 mm of distal flap stump was left after trimming up to 5 mm. The results of the operations were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 35.2 years and 83 patients(145 eyes) were followed up for a mean of 16.7 months. 128 eyes (88.3%) showed a normal level of upper eyelid margin (MRD1 4.1 ~ 5.0 mm) or less than 1 mm ptosis (MRD1 3.1 ~ 4.0 mm). 10 eyes(6.9%) showed 1 ~ 2 mm ptosis (MRD1 2.1 ~ 3.0 mm). 7 eyes(4.8%) showed more than 2 mm ptosis which required secondary correction. About 80% of the 183 eyes needed no trimming of the flap stump with 5 ~ 6 mm of composite flap advancement and 20% had about 3 mm of the flap stump trimmed with 8 ~ 9 mm of composite flap advancement(shortening of the levator complex). Conclusion: $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle - levator aponeurosis complex advancement technique offers several advantages: There is no, or minimal, sacrifice of the normally functioning $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle; it is more physiological; it is reproducible and it is predictable - with gratifying results for blepharoptosis.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.80-86
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• 2006

The challenge of accurately predicting eyelid height after blepharoptosis surgery is well-known problem even in complete hands. From May 1988 to December 2004, authors reviewed 182 cases(240 eyes) of blepharoptosis corrected by frontalis muscle transfer or levator resection and had experienced 10 cases(15 eyelids) of early reoperation around the first week. The period from initial operation to reoperation are between six to eight days and mean period is seven days. Initial operative procedures were frontalis muscle transfer in 3 cases(4 eyelids) and levator resection in 7 cases(11 eyelids). Follow up period ranged from 6 months to 16 years. Early adjusting surgery was performed in accordance with the preoperative and postoperative degree of ptosis of patient and by previous operative technique. The results are evaluated according to the criteria of an ideal correction by Souther and Jordan. Seven patients have good or satisfactory results(less than 1 mm asymmetry, good in 5 cases and satisfactory in 2 cases). Three patients(5 eyelids) recorded as poor results(more than 2 mm asymmetry). Even if early or late reoperation can be effective in correcting unsatisfactory results after correction of blepharoptosis, early reoperation may lead to better results than late reoperation because early reoperation can offer a reduction in time to final result, the ease with which it is performed and potential cost savings. The experience of surgeon is also important factor for the treat ment of recurred blepharoptosis.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.214-217
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• 2015

Blepharoptosis is a common indication for surgery in plastic surgery units, yet its possible underlying pathology frequently remains unidentified. A 52-year-old man with a 20-year history of progressive bilateral ptosis (right>left) presented with recurrent ptosis of both eyes; he had undergone an operation on the levator aponeurosis 12 years prior. Due to the suspicion of an underlying disease, he was evaluated further. Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia in transition to the more severe syndromic variant Kearns-Sayre syndrome, a mitochondrial disorder causing myopathy, was diagnosed. The patient was treated with coenzyme Q10, and he underwent ptosis surgery on both eyes. This case illustrates a potentially multi-systemic disease that was diagnosed by a further evaluation of a common symptom, in this case worsening blepharoptosis. Awareness of myopathic symptoms is necessary to prevent overlooking serious yet improvable conditions.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.71-76
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• 2014

Background Numerous methods exist for simultaneous correction of mild blepharoptosis during double eyelid surgery. These methods are generally categorized into either incisional (open) or non-incisional (suture) methods. The incisional method is commonly used for the creation of the double eyelid crease in patients with excessive or thick skin. However, concurrent open ptosis correction is often marred by the lengthy period of intraoperative adjustment, causing more swelling, a longer recovery time, and an increased risk of postoperative complications. Methods The authors have devised a new, minimally invasive technique to alleviate mild ptosis during incisional double eyelid surgery. The anterior lamella is approached through the incisional technique for the creation of a double eyelid while the posterior lamella, including Muller's and levator muscles, is approached with the suture method for Muller's plication and ptosis correction. Results The procedure described was utilized in 28 patients from June 2012 to August 2012. Postoperative asymmetry was noted in one patient who had severe preoperative conjunctival scarring. Otherwise, ptosis was corrected as planned in the rest of the cases and all of the patients were satisfied with their postoperative appearance and experienced no complications. Conclusions Our hybrid technique combines the benefits of both the incisional and suture methods, allowing for a predictable and easily reproducible correction of blepharoptosis with an aesthetically pleasing double eyelid.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.473-478
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• 2022

Background We investigate the effect of involutional blepharoptosis (IB) surgery based on dry eye symptoms by analysis using objective and subjective measures. Methods We recorded various parameters from patients that underwent levator advancement surgery for IB, totaling 125 eyes (total 65 patients, 5 unilateral, 60 bilateral). Subjective assessment comprised a questionnaire on dry eye-related quality of life score (DEQS), a summary score calculated from DEQS, and six-grade evaluation, the patient's own measure of eye comfort. Objective assessment comprised marginal-reflex distance-1 (MRD-1), measurement of tear film breakup time, and superficial keratopathy (SPK) existence by slit lamp microscope. Results Subjective assessments showed that IB patients had improvement of dry eye symptoms and eye comfort when surgery increased MRD-1. On the other hand, objective assessments showed that the presence of SPK is suspected when the postoperative MRD-1 level is 3 mm or higher. Conclusion IB surgery must not only increase MRD-1 value, but also to perform maintenance of the appropriate ocular surface condition. From our parameters, we suggest postoperative MRD-1 value should be maintained at < 3 mm to safe and effective of IB surgery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.149-154
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• 2006

The levator and $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle balanced tucking was performed to correction myogenic or aponeurotic blepharoptosis. Through the blepharoplasty incision, the upper half of tarsal plate was exposed and the orbital was opened to show the levator aponeurosis. the $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle dissected from the upper border of the tarsal plate and from the posteriorly located conjunctiva with sharp scissors. $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle was advanced about 3 mm to 8 mm on anterior surface of the tarsal plate and fixed approximately upper one third of the tarsal plate with three horizontal 6-0 Nylon mattress sutures. The amount of tucking of $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle was controlled by the location of the upper eyelid margin 2 mm below the upper limbus in primary gaze after first temporary fixations suture in the maximum superior point of the limbus. The amount of advancement of levator aponeurosis was controlled by the location of the upper eyelid margin 1 mm below the upper limbus in primary gaze after first temporary fixations suture in the maximum superior point of the limbus. And then levator aponeurosis was fixed with three horizontal 6-0 Nylon mattress on beside the point that was tucked $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle. We have been thirty cases with levator and $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle balanced tucking from January 2004 to Jun 2005. 3 cases were traumatic blepharoptosis with 3-5 mm ptosis and poor levator function. 27 cases were myogenic or aponeurotic blepharoptosis with 2-5 mm ptosis with and more than 4 mm of levator function. the age of the patients ranged from 6 to 78 years. The levator aponeurosis and $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle tucking procedure can reduce the amount of the levator and $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle resection, and improve discomfort when the patients open eyes.