Advancement Flap Using Excess Skin for Upper Eyelid Full-Thickness Defects

Aesthetic and Functional Reconstruction of Periorbital Region Using Radial Forearm Free Flap

Background

This study describes the utilization of the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for the restoration of severe soft tissue deficiency involving the upper and lower eyelids in three patients.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of the senior authors' clinical records for patients who presented with periorbital defect and underwent reconstruction with RFFF between 2018 and 2022.

Results

As a part of a comprehensive reconstructive surgery, we used the RFFF to deliver an ample amount of well-vascularized soft tissue. The flap's vessels were anastomosed to the ipsilateral facial vessels in all cases. Patients showed significant functional improvement, with complete eyelid closure achieved. No immediate postoperative complications were noted.

Conclusions

RFFF demonstrated optimal outcomes in upper eyelid reconstruction.

Use of the Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) to Reconstruct Full-thickness Eyelid Defects

This study aimed to introduce the use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a posterior lamellar substitution for full-thickness eyelid reconstruction after malignant tumor excision. After resection of the malignant eyelid tumors, anterior lamellar defects were repaired using direct sutures and pedicled flaps in 20 patients (15 men and 5 women). ADM was used to replace the tarsal plate and the conjunctiva. All patients were followed up for 6 months or more to assess the functional and esthetic outcomes of the procedure. The flaps survived in all but 2 cases, wherein they necrosed due to insufficient blood supply. The functionality and esthetic outcomes were excellent in 10 and 9 patients, respectively. There were no changes in visual acuity or corneal epithelial damage after the surgery. The eyeball movement was good. Corneal irritation no longer appeared, and patient comfort was maintained. Furthermore, no tumor recurrence occurred in any patient. ADM is a valuable posterior lamellar material for the full-thickness reconstruction of eyelid defects after the resection of malignant tumors on the eyelids.

Sliding Flap for the Wide Upper Eyelid Margin Defect After Cancer Removal

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of eyelid margin defects following resection of upper-eyelid skin malignancies is typically performed using a lower eyelid switch flap, including eyelash reconstruction. However, a subsequent procedure for flap separation, and prolonged swelling of the flap may occur as a complication.

OBJECTIVE

The authors performed anterior lamellar reconstruction using a sliding flap with excess upper eyelid skin, a procedure that is a less invasive and simpler.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors performed anterior lamellar reconstruction using a sliding flap in 7 patients with full-thickness upper eyelid margin defect after skin cancer resection. The mean age of the patients was 76.0 years. The horizontal width of the defect in our cohort ranged from 11 to 25 mm and the vertical width ranged from 5 to 10 mm.

RESULTS

All the flaps and mucosal grafts were well taken, and none of the patients complained of lack of eyelash reconstruction. However, eyelid margin irregularity, possibly due to flap or mucosal graft contraction, was observed in 2 patients, and 1 patient developed keratoconjunctivitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The sliding flap technique is a minimally invasive and simple procedure for wide eyelid margin reconstruction. However, 2 patients developed eyelid margin irregularities and 1 patient developed keratoconjunctivitis. Those complications might have occurred owing to the condition of posterior lamellar reconstruction. Therefore, for the successful use of a sliding flap for anterior lamellar reconstruction, the form of the eyelid edge and the choice of posterior lamellar reconstruction are key considerations. In future, we plan to establish a better reconstructive technique by accumulating more evidence.

Full-thickness lower eyelid defect reconstruction using a pedicle rotation temporal flap and Acellular Human Dermis Graft (Alloderm)

The aim of this research was to prospectively examine the combination of a pedicled temporal rotation flap with an acellular human dermal graft technique for intermediate-sized lower eyelid defect reconstruction. Pedicled temporal rotation flaps based on the orbicularis oculi muscle were used to reconstruct the anterior lamella of lower eyelid defects in six patients (five males and one female) while the posterior lamella was reconstructed using an acellular human dermis graft (Alloderm). Flap survival at 6 months was 100%. The functionality and cosmetic results of the technique were evaluated, and corneal protection was achieved. The texture and color of the reconstructed eyelid matched the surrounding skin, and neither pain nor corneal irritation was reported. The donor site scar healed well and was inconspicuous in all cases. Furthermore, no recurrence of malignancy was observed. The combination of a temporal rotational flap with an acellular human dermal graft is the key points. This technique could be ideal for the reconstruction of intermediate-sized full-thickness lower eyelid defects.

Microscopic treatment of benign eyelid margin lesions with ultrapulse carbon dioxide (CO2) laser

Surgical treatment of eyelid margin lesions is challenging, and few studies focused on laser therapy of such type of lesions. To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ultrapulse CO₂ laser treatment under a microscope for benign eyelid margin lesions, we performed microscopic ultrapulse CO₂ laser treatment win 132 patients with benign eyelid margin lesions for cosmetic reasons. Measurements included cosmetic results, complications and patients' satisfaction. Eighty lesions involved the gray line and 24 lesions were in the lacrimal region. All patients achieved satisfactory cosmetic and therapeutic outcomes. Eyelid contour recovered well with no scar and no malposition. No secondary epiphora was noted after the lesions adjacent to the lacrimal punctum were removed. At the end of follow-up, only 2 patients had mild hypopigmentation and only 1 patient required repeat laser therapy for recurrence. It turned out that ultrapulse CO₂ laser treatment under a microscope is a dependable, safe, and effective method for the treatment of benign eyelid margin lesions. It is an excellent alternative to traditional surgery, especially for lesions involving the gray line or positioned in proximity to the lacrimal punctum. It is beneficial for simplifying the treatment, improving the cosmetic result, and maintaining eyelid function.

The Propeller Myocutaneous Flap of the Upper Eyelid: Anatomical Study and its Clinical Implication

BACKGROUND

The reconstruction of the upper eyelid and the periorbital region is a challenge for the surgeon. The aims of this reconstruction are to guarantee protection to the eyeball, maintain the visual field, and restore the function of the eyelid without damaging other anatomical structures. In this study, the authors describe the use of a propeller myocutaneous flap based on the small vertical branches of marginal, peripheral ed superficial arcade, for the reconstruction of the upper eyelid or periorbital region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors enrolled 3 patients (Caucasian), between 2018 and 2019, and subjected to reconstructive surgery with the propeller myocutaneous flap of the periorbital region at the Plastic Surgery Unit of the University of Messina. The vascularization of the flap was demonstrated through an anatomical study conducted on cadavers at the dissection laboratories of the University of Bordeaux 2.

RESULTS

The authors have shown that the myocutaneous flap represents a valid alternative for loss of substance coverage and reconstruction of the upper eyelid or periorbital region, allowing the achievement of a good aesthetic and functional result.

FOLLOW UP

Patients were followed up at 3-6-12 months. No complications were reported (flap retraction, periocular region deformity, donor site morbidity). Furthermore, at the last visit, the scars were almost invisible.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the propeller myocutaneous flap of the upper eyelid is a valid reconstructive alternative to the standard techniques described so far for the reconstruction of the periorbital region.

One Triangle-Blepharoplasty Flap for Anterior Lamellae Pretarsal Defects on the Upper Eyelid

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to present the outcomes of one triangle blepharoplasty flap upper eyelid (UE) reconstruction. It is a hardly recognized technique used to repair anterior lamella pretarsal defects resulting from the removal of lesions on the UE.

METHODS

Retrospective review of three excised lesions reconstructed with one triangle-blepharoplasty flap technique between 2017 and 2020 at Río Hortega University Hospital in Valladolid, Spain. It is a technique to reconstruct wide-based anterior lamella UE lesions, 25% to 50% UE length. Demographic characteristics, histology results and complications are presented.

RESULTS

Medical records of three patients have been reviewed with a minimum follow-up of 6 months (mean follow up of 16 months). The patient's average age was 67 years. Histology results were three seborrheic keratosis. There were no intra or post-surgical complications and all had good functional and aesthetic upper lid results.

CONCLUSIONS

The reconstruction of pretarsal lesions limited to the anterior lamella of the UE using one triangle-blepharoplasty flap is a technique with good functional and aesthetic results.

Advancements in the repair of large upper eyelid defects: A 10-year review

PURPOSE

The reconstruction of large (>50%) upper eyelid margin defects can be technically challenging, with multiple approaches described in the literature. We sought to review the recent literature for new techniques or modifications to existing techniques.

METHODS

We conducted a Pubmed search for technique papers on the reconstruction of large upper eyelid defects published within the past ten years with a minimum of four patients.

RESULTS

We identified ten articles, and divided them into techniques that use a bridging flap from the lower eyelid and those that do not. The number of upper eyelids repaired in each article ranged from 4 to 17. Most techniques could be considered either a modification of the Cutler-Beard technique or a novel anterior lamella flap laid over a graft for the posterior lamella. Postoperative complications included upper or lower eyelid cicatricial retraction, trichiasis, entropion, and lagophthalmos.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons continue to innovate for this challenging reconstructive surgery. Overall, the trend was to use a graft, most commonly tarsoconjunctiva from the contralateral upper lid, to replace the posterior lamella, and a skin flap, from the lower eyelid or from the adjacent periorbital area, to replace the anterior lamella. Bridging techniques utilized the skin; the skin, orbicularis, and conjunctiva; or a tarsoconjunctival flap from the lower eyelid. Non-bridging techniques generally used a tarsoconjunctival or substitute graft for the posterior lamella, and a skin flap for the anterior lamella.