Upper lid orbicularis oculi muscle strip and sequential brow suspension with autologous fascia lata is beneficial for selected patients with essential blepharospasm.

PURPOSE: Severe cases of blepharospasm resistant to botulinum toxin represent a challenging clinical problem. Over the last 10 years, we have adopted a staged surgical management of these cases with an initial upper lid orbicularis myectomy (combined with myectomy of procerus and corrugator supercilius as appropriate) and then 4-6 months later a brow suspension with autologous fascia lata. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of this staged surgical approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all patients who had undergone the procedure and the clinical records reviewed.

RESULTS: Fourteen patients had undergone the procedure of which 13 were alive. They were sent a questionnaire and 10 of them responded. All had both procedures. Eight of the 10 reported great benefit from the surgery, one some benefit, and one was worse off. All patients still required botulinum toxin injections after the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Majority, but not all, of the patients in our series greatly benefitted from this staged surgical approach.