Reconstruction of Lower Eyelid Defects Using a Cross Upper Eyelid Flap Composited with Ear Cartilage

Abstract

BACKGROUND Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) most frequently involve the lower eyelid and are treated with total excision. Various techniques have been proposed for reconstruction of the excised eyelid. OBJECTIVE Because most flaps used in such techniques are bulky, thinner, and aesthetically more favorable, flaps have been sought recently. METHODS Defects of the lower lid have been closed with a combination of cross-flaps and choncal cartilage prepared from the upper eyelid. RESULTS Eleven lower lids from 10 patients operated for BCC were reconstructed. All flaps survived. The duration of follow-up was 10 months, and no complications such as relapse, ectropion, or lagophthalmus occurred. CONCLUSIONS The upper eyelid flap was found to be an appropriate cover for both the skin and the conjunctiva due to its hairless and smooth structure. The outcome in patients followed up for a mean of 10 months was successful, cosmetically and functionally.