Fowler and Moore
Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (2022) 51:34
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40463-022-00585-7
HOW I DO IT ARTICLE
How I do it: lateral canthal web revision—
single Z-plasty technique
James Fowler and Corey C. Moore
*
Abstract
Background: Lateral canthal webbing is a known complication of blepharoplasty, which occurs when the lateral
aspect of the upper blepharoplasty incision is taken below the equator of the lateral canthus. Removing excessive
eyelid skin laterally can also result in a lateral canthal web. Currently, there is no standard approach for addressing this
complication.
Methods: Retrospective review of single surgeon practice between 2011 and 2019. All patients underwent revision
surgery using the proposed single Z-plasty technique.
Results: Twenty-three patients referred for lateral canthal web were included in the study. All patients had previous
upper lid blepharoplasty, with the initial procedure occurring 8–63 months prior to the referral for revision. The major-
ity of the blepharoplasties occurred in Ontario (n = 19), but some patients also underwent surgery in Alberta (n = 1),
British Columbia (n = 1), and United States (n = 1). The initial surgeries were performed by a variety of specialities
including plastic surgery (n = 16), otolaryngology (n = 4), ophthalmology (n = 2), and family medicine (n = 1). Follow-
ing revision surgery using the single Z-plasty technique, all patients reported a subjective increase in functional and
aesthetic satisfaction. No further revision surgery was required for any of these patients.
Conclusion: The single Z-plasty technique is simple, robust, and could be easily incorporated into any cosmetic
practice to address this complication of blepharoplasty.
Keywords: Lateral canthal web, Z-plasty, Blepharoplasty, Revision surgery
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Open Access
*Correspondence: cmoore22@uwo.ca
Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School
of Medicine and Dentistry, St Joseph’s Healthcare Centre, Western University,
268 Grosvenor St, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada