Using kite flap to repair the anterior lamellar skin defects of eyelid in treatment of xanthelasma

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the use of the kite flap for the repair of anterior lamellar skin defects of eyelid after excision of xanthelasma. Methods After excision the xanthelasma, the flaps were designed at temporal adjacent to the defects and the incision line corresponding to natural winkle lines on the eyelid. The kite flap on a subcutaneous pedicle was advanced to cover the defect, and then incisions were closed with 5-0 suture. Since 2005, kite flaps had been used to repair anterior lamellar skin defects of eyelids in 16 patients with 20 sides in the age range of 34-68 years old, the defect area from 5 mm× 10 mm - 10 mm × 22 mm.Results After operation, all flaps survived with primary healing, cosmetic results were satisfactory after more than 3 months following-up. Conclusions It is a simple, safe, and reliable method to use kite flap for the repair of anterior lamellar eyelid skin defects that are too large to achieve primary approximation. Because the kite flap covers the defect without redundant skin were excision, the repaired area looks smoothly and the recovery time is short. Key words: Xanthelasma; Kite flap; Lamellar eyelid defect