A prefabricated free flap for eyelid reconstruction

Total and near-total lower eyelid reconstruction with prefabricated orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous island flap

Full thickness lower lid defects are frequently encountered during daily practice. The unique anatomy of the eyelids hinders reconstructive efforts. The aim of the study is to develop an effective and easy procedure for the reconstruction of full thickness defects of the lower eyelid. Here we present six cases, which we treated with an orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous island flap prefabricated with a chondrocutaneous graft. Five of the six cases suffered from tumors, while one had congenital coloboma of the lower lid. A chondrocutaneous graft harvested from the ear was placed under the orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous flap. Three weeks later, the defect was created and the prefabricated flap was transposed to the defect. Two cases had superficial distal skin loss and one had prolonged oedema. No major complication or tumor recurrence was seen. Using this method, the principle "replace with like" is fulfilled. Orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous island flap prefabricated with postauricular chondrocutaneous composite graft seems to be a feasible method for the reconstruction of full thickness defects of the lower eyelid with its low donor morbidity and good outcomes.

Lower Eyelid Reconstruction: A New Classification Incorporating the Vertical Dimension

BACKGROUND

Lower eyelid defects are traditionally classified based on depth and 25 percent increments in defect width. The authors propose a new classification system that includes the vertical defect component to predict functional and aesthetic outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent lower lid reconstruction performed by a single surgeon was performed. Defects were classified into four categories based on the vertical component: (1) pretarsal; (2) preseptal; (3) eyelid-cheek junction; and (4) complex pretarsal/preseptal. Preoperative and postoperative central and lateral marginal reflex distance-2 values were obtained. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by three blinded reviewers. Outcomes were compared using one-way analysis of variance and analysis of covariance with Bonferroni corrected post hoc comparisons to control for defect area and width.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients underwent reconstruction of lower eyelid defects. There were 12 pretarsal defects (type I), nine preseptal defects (type II), nine eyelid-cheek defects (type III), and four complex pretarsal/preseptal defects (type IV). Postoperative retraction was highest in the complex pretarsal/preseptal group at 75 percent, with a significantly greater change from preoperative to postoperative central and lateral marginal reflex distance-2 compared with the other groups (p < 0.01) and worse postoperative mean aesthetic scores (p < 0.001). Type IV patients had significantly more revision operations (mean, 5.5) compared with the other groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The vertical dimension of lower eyelid defects is an important variable. A new classification system is proposed that supplements width-based methods for improved surgical planning and prediction of postoperative outcomes in lower eyelid reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEEVL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Can aesthetic facial reconstruction be judged in black and white?

Aesthetic considerations of the face need to be evaluated in real-life full color. Staged contouring and insetting of a transferred free flap is sometimes required. This consists of debulking, thinning, and reshaping the flap. If the facial area is involved, however, color mismatch of a free flap represents an aesthetic challenge for the reconstructive surgeon, and often is missed with black and white photos. This article reports on a patient in whom a first dorsal metatarsal cutaneous free flap was used to reconstruct a full-thickness defect in the lateral orbit including upper and lower eyelids and outer canthus. The flap resulted in an unacceptable aesthetic outcome consisting of a bulky, hypopigmented deformity. Revisional surgery consisted of debulking the free flap and resurfacing it with a full-thickness skin graft taken from the postauricular area. This resulted in a pleasant, thin, and better color match reconstruction. The advantages of the first web space of foot free flap to the eyelid are well described. The authors are of the opinion that the flap does not match the color of the eyelid region, and therefore suggest that if used, prefabrication or a second procedure is needed. Evaluation of the postoperative results needs to be in color because black and white can mask the final aesthetic result.

Application of helical composite sandwich graft for eyelid reconstruction

PURPOSE

To show the efficiency of the ear helix sandwich graft as a simple method for reconstruction of full-thickness eyelid defects.

METHODS

A prospective case series of 13 patients requiring full-thickness upper or lower eyelid margin reconstruction was evaluated. Defects were reconstructed with a helical composite sandwich graft, and all patients were assessed for functional and aesthetic results and surgical complications.

RESULTS

All patients were satisfied with their functional and aesthetic results. Three patients had marginal skin loss on the composite graft, which was treated with daily dressings. Donor site complications occurred in two patients; one had a local infection that was treated with daily dressings and the other had wound dehiscence treated with marginal debridement and primary closure.

CONCLUSIONS

The helical composite sandwich graft is a good match for eyelids in terms of color, texture, and contour. The use of the helical composite sandwich graft is a simple, effective, and safe procedure for the reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the eyelid margins.