An Overview of the Technical Details and Seven Cases of Lagophthalmos Treatment with Gold Implant

Abstract

Objective: Placing gold implants in the upper eyelids is a widely accepted method in lagophthalmos treatment. Gold can be obtained as custom-made or from medical firms, as well as from jewelers. This review intends to share the algorithm applied in our clinic, to help avoid undesirable postoperative results. Material and Methods: Between 2012 and 2014, seven patients were planned to undergo gold implant surgery for lagophthalmos. In each of the seven cases preoperative weight tests were performed in upright-seated position, incision site and implant weights were measured, and the determined weights were tested twice, sterilization was applied. Results: None of the patients showed any early or late complications. Complete closure of the eyelids was achieved. Aesthetic evaluations of the patients were found to be better than the physician’s evaluations. Conclusion: The weight of the gold is the most important factor that determines the success of the implant treatment. It is possible to reduce postoperative morbidity and increase success by adhering to simple preoperative criteria when gold is obtained from jewelers, a cost-effective method that yields high patient satisfaction.

Keywords

• Gold
• implant
• lagophthalmos
• preoperative evaluation