a novel technique of small incision fascia lata harvesting without a faciatome for frontalis suspension procedure

purpose : to introduce a small incision technique of fascia lata (fl) harvesting for frontalis suspension blepharoptosis procedure. methods : a skin incision was made in a line between the lateral condyle of the tibia and the anterior superior iliac crest, starting 4- 5 cm above the knee and extending upward 2- 2.5 cm . approximately 8 cm superior to the first incision, a second skin incision was made with the same length. the fl was dissected from subcutaneous tissue from 1 cm superior to superior border of upper incision to 1 cm inferior to inferior border of lower incision. a 15 mm x 5- 10 mm strip of fl was excised. the fascial defect was left open. subcutaneous and deep layers were closed with three 4-0 plain catgut sutures and the skin with subcuticular 5-0 prolene sutures. results : the technique was used in 22 patients from 4 to 47 years of age (mean: 18.29±14.20) for 34 frontalis sling procedures. mean follow-up time was 6.17±3.21 (3-16) months. wound hematoma (1/22, 4.5%), wound discharge (2/22, 9%), pain at rest (100%, up to 4 days), pain on walking (20/22, 90% up to 3 weeks), limping (13/22, 59.1% up to 7 days) were the main postoperative complications. no significant skin scar was observed and none of the patients needed scar revision. conclusion : small incision fl harvesting procedure is a good alternative method when the fl stripper is not available.    iranian journal of ophthalmology 200820(3):45-48