Long-term follow-up of ptosis correction using Mersilene mesh.

The preferred operation for correction of severe ptosis with minimal levator function is a brow suspension procedure. Owing to the poorly developed fascia lata in young children, and concerns about the side effects of harvesting fascia, we have, for many years, used synthetic Mersilene mesh as our suspending material. We present our experience with this material over the last 10 years. We have undertaken a retrospective analysis of the case notes of all patients undergoing brow suspension surgery, using Mersilene mesh, from 1990 to 1999. Functional and cosmetic success was recorded with respect to long-term stability. Data from 41 patients (71 lids, 30 bilateral and 11 unilateral procedures) were analysed. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months with a mean of 38.4 months (SD 23.3). We found a long-term stability of ptosis correction in 67/71 (94.4%) procedures (38/41 (92.7%) of patients). Parental satisfaction was achieved in 90.1% (64/71) of procedures or in 85.4% patients (35/41). Four lids (5.4%) of three patients (7.4%) required further surgery. Mersilene mesh is a safe and convenient suspensory material for brow suspension in young children, and provides good long-term results with a low complication rate.