Repair of Marginal Eyelid Defects With 7–0 Chromic Sutures

Abstract

PURPOSE: To report our experience using interrupted 7-0 chromic sutures to close marginal eyelid defects. METHODS: A retrospective case series of patients undergoing upper or lower eyelid repair with two 7-0 chromic marginal sutures. RESULTS: Nine upper and 22 lower eyelid defects were closed with the described technique. Elective removal was performed 9 to 27 days after surgery in 5 patients in whom the sutures either were no longer needed or had not spontaneously absorbed. There were no cases of suture-related corneal abrasion. Minimal notching was observed in 2 eyelids after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Closure of marginal eyelid defects with 7-0 chromic sutures simplified postoperative care. There are few complications associated with this procedure, which overall provided excellent wound healing and cosmesis.