Correction of the epicanthal fold using the VM-plasty

The VM-plasty combines the principles of YV-plasty and multiple Z-plasty. I t consists of three V flaps. For correction of the epicanthal fold, both A and B V-flaps were designed on the outer surface and the C V-flap was desig ned on the inner surface of the fold. The vertical tissue deficiency of the epicanthal fold was reconstructed with the C V-flap which brought addition al tissue from the inner surface of the fold. The VM-plasty for epicanthopl asty was used alone in 8 patients, in combination with double eyelid surger y in 51 young patients and in combination with blepharoplasty and double ey elid surgery in 26 patients who had blepharochalasis. Redness of the incisi ons was a common complaint but this settled within 2-3 months postoperative ly. The zigzag incisions of the VM-plasty were blended with the anatomic li nes. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.