Fox's modified technique using the Mersilene mesh sling in the management of blepharoptosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Frontalis suspension is the best surgical procedure for severe ptosis with poor or absent levator muscle function. In addition to autologous fascia lata, a variety of materials are available for suspension. The authors describe the use of Mersilene mesh slings developed to overcome the problems of failure, slippage, and extrusion commonly associated with various suspensory materials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Brow suspension was performed in 20 ptotic eyelids of 14 patients. All patients had severe ptosis with levator function of 4 mm or less. The surgical technique used was a modified version of the method originally described by Fox using the Mersilene mesh sling. RESULTS: The improvement in lid height was evaluated by preoperative and postoperative vertical aperture measurements and ranged from 2 to 5 mm (average 3.5 mm). The results were maintained in all cases during a follow-up period of 18 months. CONCLUSION: The good functional and cosmetic results suggest that Fox's modified technique using the Mersilene mesh sling has a definite place in ptosis management.