Upper Eyelid Full-Thickness Skin Graft in Facial Reconstruction

Abstract

BACKGROUND The potentially available upper eyelid skin, as an alternative donor site, deserves more attention in clinical use. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical behavioral characteristics of upper eyelid full-thickness skin grafts in facial reconstruction. METHODS Sixteen patients who concluded the 12-month follow-up period were included in the study. Graft dimensions were measured in place before the graft harvest. Defect sizes were measured following lesion excision and postgrafting. Graft sizes were measured postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS The largest and smallest grafts were 46 × 22 mm and 40 × 15 mm (average 43.1 × 19.3 mm) in size, respectively. The largest and smallest defect dimensions were 33 × 23 mm and 17 × 9 mm (average 22.6 × 15.6 mm), respectively. The average postgrafting size was 21.1 × 14.6 mm. Grafts and donor sites healed very well. Generally, an acceptable to good texture and color match was observed beyond 6 months. Wound bed contraction was not observed beyond the first month (p < .05). CONCLUSION Special characteristics of hairless skin, good color and texture matching, and inconspicuous and hidden donor scar make the upper eyelid a good alternative donor site for small- to medium-sized facial skin defects. The main disadvantages that limit its clinical use are the age of the patient, a lack of adnexal structures, comparatively limited sun exposure, and possible insufficient thickness, especially when deep defects are of concern.