Barbed Suture Suspension Technique for Prevention of Lower Eyelid Ectropion After Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Abstract

Mohs micrographic surgery of the lower eyelid poses a risk of ectropion. Even though the lower eyelid is a very frequent location for basal cell carcinoma, prevention techniques for ectropion after Mohs micrographic surgery have rarely been introduced. After Mohs micrographic surgery of the lower eyelid, the authors applied a barbed suture suspension technique for the prevention of lower eyelid ectropion. Following primary wound closure, barbed sutures were prepared by cutting one side of a 4-0 Prolene suture and applied around the lower eyelid. Sutures were maintained for 7 days and then removed. Evaluation 10 weeks after surgery found that ectropion had been minimized or prevented entirely.