AUTHOR=Wang Bulin , Zhang Shengchang , Chen Yi , Liu Zhihong , Yu Jiangang , Zhou Huimin , Pan Er TITLE=A comparative retrospective analysis: myocutaneous flap versus skin flap in V-Y medial epicanthal fold reconstruction JOURNAL=Frontiers in Surgery VOLUME=11 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2024.1335796 DOI=10.3389/fsurg.2024.1335796 ISSN=2296-875X ABSTRACT=Objectives

To evaluate the comparation of myocutaneous flap vs. skin flap in V-Y medial epicanthal fold reconstruction.

Methods

The study, conducted from April 2017 to June 2022, involved two groups: group A, comprising 21 patients who underwent medial epicanthal fold restoration surgery using the V-Y advancement method with a skin flap, and group B, comprising 83 patients who underwent the same procedure, while with a myocutaneous flap for orbicularis oculi ring reconstruction. Intercanthal distances were measured preoperatively, recorded during preoperative and postoperative reviews, and assessed through a 4-point Likert satisfaction questionnaire.

Results

A total of 104 patients were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. In group A, preoperative intercanthal distances ranged from 28.7 mm to 38.2 mm, increasing to 30.2 mm–40.6 mm postoperatively, with a mean increase of 3.0 mm (P < 0.05). In group B, preoperative distances ranged from 28.8 mm to 38.0 mm, increasing to 32.2 mm–41.5 mm postoperatively, with a mean increase of 3.9 mm (P < 0.05). Group B exhibited a higher overall satisfaction rate compared to group A.

Conclusion

The myocutaneous flap V-Y procedure, employing the principle of orbicularis oculi ring reconstruction, achieves more stable postoperative results than the flap-only V-Y procedure. Consequently, it can be regarded as the preferred surgical technique.