Kyung In Woo1, Chul Young Choi. 1. Seoul, Republic of Korea From the Department of Ophthalmology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Seoul Hospital; and Kangbuk Samsung Hospital.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Conjunctival chemosis often complicates cosmetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty. With the conventional approaches, including medical or surgical methods, irritative symptoms are produced and complete recovery is delayed. The authors introduced a new simple surgical approach for treating persistent conjunctival chemosis following cosmetic blepharoplasty. METHODS: Eleven patients (12 eyes) with persistent chemosis lasting 6 weeks to 2 years were recruited for this study. Subconjunctival coagulation on the edematous conjunctiva was performed with a fine-needle electrode using a high-frequency radiowave electrosurgical unit in coagulation mode, and subconjunctival fluid drainage was performed by gentle pressure with a wet applicator. After the procedures, topical steroid and antibiotic eye drops were given four times per day for 1 month. RESULTS: Chemosis in 11 eyes (91.7 percent) was resolved within 1 week and remained stable for a follow-up period of 6 months. Recurrence of chemosis and complications related to the procedure were not noted during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A surgical approach with high-frequency radiowave electrosurgery produced a significant reduction of persistent chemosis and provided prompt symptom improvement. This procedure can be considered as a simple and safe method of treating persistent conjunctival chemosis following cosmetic blepharoplasty. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.
BACKGROUND:Conjunctival chemosis often complicates cosmetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty. With the conventional approaches, including medical or surgical methods, irritative symptoms are produced and complete recovery is delayed. The authors introduced a new simple surgical approach for treating persistent conjunctival chemosis following cosmetic blepharoplasty. METHODS: Eleven patients (12 eyes) with persistent chemosis lasting 6 weeks to 2 years were recruited for this study. Subconjunctival coagulation on the edematous conjunctiva was performed with a fine-needle electrode using a high-frequency radiowave electrosurgical unit in coagulation mode, and subconjunctival fluid drainage was performed by gentle pressure with a wet applicator. After the procedures, topical steroid and antibiotic eye drops were given four times per day for 1 month. RESULTS: Chemosis in 11 eyes (91.7 percent) was resolved within 1 week and remained stable for a follow-up period of 6 months. Recurrence of chemosis and complications related to the procedure were not noted during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A surgical approach with high-frequency radiowave electrosurgery produced a significant reduction of persistent chemosis and provided prompt symptom improvement. This procedure can be considered as a simple and safe method of treating persistent conjunctival chemosis following cosmetic blepharoplasty. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.