[Contouring of a rigid eyelid implant: indication for the replacement with the platinum chain].

BACKGROUND

The resultant lagophthalmos at peripheral facial palsy can lead to keratopathy of varying degrees. In surgical therapy of lagophthalmos some implants to preserve a sufficient eyelid closure have been described. Besides to the use of magnets, silicone slings or palpebral springs the importance of the gold implantation (lidloading), first described by Illig in 1958, has increased. Unfortunately all of these techniques have often shown unwanted side effects. The platinum chain is a new implant which promises, due to its flexibility, lower postoperative complications.

PATIENTS

We present two case reports to show the platinum chain's advantages compared to the older implants. The two patients developed a unsightly contouring (with threatening extrusion) of the rigid gold implant after lidloading. These gold implants were therefore replaced in one step by the platinum chain.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The further process was complication-free. In our opinion, in spite of the small case number, the new developed platinum chain can lead to a reduction of postoperative complications after lidloading. In complications with the rigid gold implants, such as contouring or extrusion, these implants can mostly be replaced in one step by corresponding platinum chains.