High-frequency radiowave electrosurgery for persistent conjunctival chemosis following cosmetic blepharoplasty.

[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.