[Surgical Treatment of Medial Epicanthus by Skin Replacement]

Abstract

Epicanthus is a skin fold covering the inner angle of the eyelid. This fold is typical in the Asian population. It can be observed in a great variety of degrees. In the Caucasian population, epicanthus is associated with some syndromes, such as blepharophimosis syndrome and Down's syndrome. The epicanthal fold originates from excessive tension in the skin and is caused by skin deficit and/or by bridging subcutaneous tissue. The epicanthal fold can be surgically corrected by reducing tension and fully replacing the skin defect by skin redraping or skin grafting.