Contralateral Eyelid Research Articles

Changes in Eyelid Height Based on Intra-Operative Quantification of Levator Aponeurosis Advancement in Patients with Unilateral Ptosis

ABSTRACT Objective To present marginal reflex distance (MRD-1) outcomes based on intra-operative quantification of levator aponeurosis advancement. Methods Forty-eight patients with unilateral aponeurotic ptosis underwent anterior levator aponeurosis advancement. Distance of advancement intra-operatively was compared with MRD-1 outcomes at the immediate postoperative sitting, approximately 1 week, and 1 month period. Surgical success was defined as a symmetric MRD-1 or an MRD-1 within 1 millimeter of the contralateral eyelid. Results Most MRD-1 exhibited the following trends: 1) initial decrease at about 1 week and increase at 1 month (n = 11), 2) initial increase at about 1 week with levelling at 1 month (n = 8), and 3) increasing through time (n = 7). Success rate significantly decreased through time (p = .0464). The change in proportion of successful and failed surgeries was insignificant. Surgical revision rate was 10.4%. Conclusion Levator aponeurosis advancement distances do not correlate with MRD-1 outcomes linearly. MRD-1 exhibited stability over time with a satisfactory success rate at 1 month.

Staged Periorbital Reconstruction for Cicatricial Lagophthalmos

Introduction: Eyelid trauma can present reconstructive challenges for facial surgeons. The authors postulated that treating cicatricial lagophthalmos with protective ptosis in the acute setting prior to definitive grafting could help limit scar contraction. Material and Methods: This is an observation of a patient who benefited from a staged approach to periorbital reconstruction after suffering extensive facial trauma. Informed consent was appropriately obtained from the patient. Results: After treating the periorbital injury in staged fashion, an aesthetically acceptable result was achieved and was well-tolerated by the patient. Discussion: Disruption of the periorbital region, particularly the eyelids, can have severe functional and aesthetic consequences. One such disruption is lagophthalmos. Neurotoxin-induced protective ptosis is a well-known strategy that can be used as the initial treatment in a staged approach to cicatricial lagophthalmos. Conclusion: Treating lagophthalmos with protective ptosis in the acute setting prior to definitive grafting is not only a means of avoiding tarsorrhaphy but also it can allow time for the wound to declare itself and limit scar contraction. In addition, the contralateral eyelid represents both a complimentary skin graft harvest site as well as an opportunity to create a symmetrical repair.

Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Intra- and Postoperative Bleeding in Eyelid Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Masked, Control Trial.

Pilot studies suggest that waiting 15 minutes after a subcutaneous tranexamic acid injection is associated with decreased intraoperative bleeding and postoperative ecchymosis in eyelid surgery. The outcomes of commencing eyelid surgery immediately after injection without a waiting period remain unexplored. This prospective, randomized, multicenter, double-masked, controlled study examined bilateral symmetric upper and/or lower lid blepharoplasty or ptosis repair. Patients received tranexamic acid in 1 eyelid and control in the contralateral eyelid. The surgeon recorded the side with more intraoperative bleeding. Two masked graders evaluated periocular ecchymosis at postoperative day 0 and postoperative week 1 (POW 1) with a 5-point scale. At POW 1, patients reported subjective grading of bruising as increased on 1 side or similar on both sides. Results were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank and sign tests. Of 130 patients, there was less eyelid ecchymosis on the tranexamic side at postoperative day 0 ( p = 0.001) and POW 1 ( p < 0.001). By surgery type, the 69 levator advancement surgeries had significantly less ecchymosis at postoperative day 0 ( p < 0.001) and POW 1 ( p = 0.001), while upper eyelid blepharoplasty, combined upper and lower lid blepharoplasty, and conjunctivomullerectomy trended toward significance. Of 68 patients reporting a POW 1 grading, 69% reported less bruising on the tranexamic side ( p < 0.001). Intraoperative bleeding was not significantly different between sides ( p = 0.930). Without a postinjection waiting period, subcutaneous tranexamic acid for eyelid surgery significantly decreased postoperative ecchymosis on postoperative day 0 and POW 1 but did not affect intraoperative bleeding. Subcutaneous tranexamic acid was not associated with any complications.

A Case of Ectropion Caused by Skin Damage During Lower Blepharoplasty that Was Corrected with a Contralateral Lower Eyelid Skin Graft

A Case of Ectropion Caused by Skin Damage During Lower Blepharoplasty that Was Corrected with a Contralateral Lower Eyelid Skin Graft

Surgical adjustment of eyelid contour symmetry using three-point topography of the contralateral eyelid in unilateral congenital ptosis

PurposeTo appraise the efficiency of three differential horizontal double-armed suture placements based on the topographic mapping of the contralateral normal eyelid in external levator aponeurosis surgery for unilateral congenital ptosis. MethodsA Retrospective study, including unilateral congenital ptosis who underwent external levator aponeurosis surgery utilizing a differential suture placement technique, was performed. Preoperative demographics and clinical data were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative photographs in the primary position were used for determining any asymmetry in upper and lower eyelid contour, MRD1 and MRD2 with respect to the normal contralateral eyelid, analysed by Fiji image J software. ResultsEleven eyelids of 11 unilateral congenital ptosis patients with a mean age of 21.18 ± 1.33 years were enrolled in this study. Mean MRD1 Pre/Post levator surgery at 3-month follow-up was 0.512 ± 0.775/3.291 ± 0.982 mm (P = 0.00). The upper eyelid contour of the ptotic eyelid at 3-month post external levator aponeurosis surgery and contralateral eyelid were 0.93 ± 0.44/0.88 ± 0.41 (P = 0.533). There was no observed significant difference noted in MRD2 and lower eyelid contour (P = 0.092/P = 0.876) on comparison with the contralateral eyelid, following differential levator aponeurosis surgery at a 3-month follow-up visit. ConclusionThe study emphasises the routine practice of contralateral eyelid threepoint topography measurement in unilateral congenital ptosis correction surgery to simplify the contour adjustment and obviate the need for frequent suture replacement.

Combined treatment of a giant palpebral keratoacanthoma

Aims/Purpose: To highlight the relevance of a therapeutic approach adapted to the clinical characteristics of the eyelid lesion found at the time of surgery to ensure an optimal functional and aesthetic result.Methods: Clinical case assessed, intervened and followed up at our centre.Results: A 76‐year‐old woman consulted for a nodular umbilicated lesion of recent appearance on the outer third of the upper eyelid of the left eye (UELE) measuring 0.5 cm in greatest diameter and 0.5 cm in elevation. The patient was placed on the waiting list for surgical excision and subsequent pathological examination (PE) of the lesion to confirm the initial clinical suspicion of keratoacanthoma (KA). One month later, the patient went to the operating room for surgery. During this time the lesion increased its initial size by more than 4 times, had a large necrotic centre, active borders and generated an evident left mechanical ptosis. As an alternative to the complete excisional surgery initially proposed, we offered the injection of neoadjuvant intralesional chemotherapy (CT) with the aim of reducing the size of the lesion to obtain a better functional and aesthetic result. The patient accepted this therapeutic alternative. KA was treated with weekly intralesional injections of 1 mL of methotrexate (MTX) 12.5 mg/mL. In our case, 3 injections were necessary to achieve a 78% reduction in the diameter of the lesion to allow reconstruction of the UELE with grafting of the contralateral upper eyelid. One week after the third injection of MTX, reconstruction of the UELE was performed after excisional surgery with wide margins for PE. One week later, the PE result ruled out malignancy and the graft had a pink appearance with complete vascular permeability, so the sutures were removed. Two weeks after reconstruction, the functional and aesthetic results were satisfactory.Conclusions: Therefore, in our experience, we recommend the above combined treatment for giant palpebral KA and stress the relevance of a therapeutic approach adapted to the clinical characteristics of the palpebral lesion at the time of surgery to ensure an optimal functional and aesthetic outcome.

Teaching Video NeuroImages: Useful bedside testing for myasthenia gravis

During examination of a 62-year-old woman with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, left eyelid manual elevation caused exacerbated ptosis on the right (enhanced ptosis) (figure). According to Hering law, there is approximately equal innervation of the levator palpebrae superioris muscles in both eyelids.1 In an asymmetric ptosis, the motor impulses increase to compensate ptosis on the more affected side but also flow to the contralateral eyelid, which mitigates ptosis on that side. With manual elevation of the more affected eyelid, the need to sustain eyelid elevation is relieved, and there is an attenuation of these motor impulses causing ptosis enhancement of the other eyelid (video 1).2

Müller Muscle-Conjunctival Resection for Treatment of Contralateral Ptosis following Unilateral External Levator Advancement.

One of the main causes of unsatisfactory outcomes after unilateral blepharoptosis surgery is asymmetry of the upper eyelid height, which occurs as a result of a contralateral eyelid droop. Therefore, the authors evaluated the efficacy of Müller muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) for the treatment of contralateral ptosis following unilateral external levator advancement (ELA). This study analyzed 26 eyelids of 26 patients with upper eyelid height asymmetry following unilateral ELA who underwent contralateral MMCR retrospectively. The phenylephrine test was performed before ELA and before MMCR. The main outcome measures were symmetry outcomes and clinical outcomes. The mean patient age was 55.81 ± 7.98 years (range, 44 to 70 years); 15 were female (57.7%). The Hering dependency was observed in 13 of the patients (50%) before ELA. An adequate response to phenylephrine was observed before MMCR but not before ELA. Symmetry outcomes after MMCR were perfect (<0.5 mm), good (≥0.5 mm and <1 mm), and fair (≥1 mm) in seven, 17, and two patients, respectively. An optimal upper eyelid height was noted in 47 of the 52 eyelids after the MMCR, whereas three of the 52 eyelids had minimal overcorrection, and two eyelids had undercorrection. The mean change in marginal reflex distance 1 of the contralateral eyelid droop was greater for patients with than without the Hering dependency ( P < 0.0001) after ELA but not after MMCR. Two patients (7.6%) underwent revision ELA surgery. MMCR and use of the phenylephrine test to predict the eyelid position may represent an alternative approach in patients who require management of contralateral ptosis following unilateral ELA. Therapeutic, IV.

Medial Oblique Eyelid Split Orbitotomy.

The authors describe their experience with a variant of the split orbitotomy with a small medial oblique transmarginal incision for approaching a variety of lesions involving the superonasal aspect of the orbit. Retrospective review of medical records and clinical photographs of all patients who underwent an unilateral medial oblique incision to access various intraconal lesions abutting the superomedial quadrant of the orbit. The curvature of the medial contour of the operated and contralateral eyelids were expressed with Bézier functions and compared using the R-squared coefficient of determination (R 2 ). Twenty-three patients were submitted to this surgical technique for approaching various unilateral lesions on the superonasal quadrant of the orbit. Excellent cosmesis was achieved in all eyelids, with almost imperceptible scars, and no ptosis or retraction. There was no significant difference between the postoperative medial contour of the operated and the contralateral eyelid, with R 2 ranging from 0.896 to 0.999, mean 0.971. The authors' results show that the modified eyelid split approach provides a wide exposure of the superonasal quadrant of the orbit with no risk of eyelid dysfunctions or significant scars.

Efficacy of tarsoconjunctivomullerectomy in adults with acquired aponeurogenic blepharoptosis: a large single-surgeon case-series

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the reoperation rate and symmetry after uni- or bilateral tarsoconjunctivomullerectomy (TCM) in a large, consecutive series of adult patients suffering from mild to moderate acquired aponeurogenic blepharoptosis. Methods Patients who underwent TCM because of mild to moderate acquired aponeurogenic blepharoptosis between January 2005 and September 2016 were analysed. Main outcome was reoperation rate. Secondary outcomes were eyelid symmetry and the effects of uni- or bilateral surgery, and in unilateral cases contralateral ptosis surgery. MRD-1 (Margin to Reflex Distance) similarity within 1 mm and contour of the eyelid were used for grading eyelid symmetry. Results We analysed the data of 243 patients, of whom 178 underwent unilateral, and 65 bilateral TCM. Previous ptosis surgery of the same eyelid had been performed (by another surgeon) in 44 patients. Reoperation was performed in four patients after unilateral (2.2%) and in 1 patient after bilateral surgery (1.5%) (p = 1.00). After unilateral surgery, contralateral ptosis surgery due to increased contralateral ptosis was performed in 16 patients (9.0%). We found no difference in reoperation rate between patients in whom ptosis surgery had been performed previously versus primary surgery (p = .22). Symmetry was good in 44%, acceptable in 44% and poor in 12% of the patients. Conclusions After TCM, the reoperation rate was about 2% with good or acceptable eyelid symmetry in most cases. There was no difference in reoperation results between uni- and bilateral cases. However, if we include secondary ptosis surgery of the contralateral eyelid in unilateral cases, results were better after bilateral surgery.

Efficacy and Safety of Cryotherapy for Residual Tarsus and Free Tarsal Graft Implantation After Excision of Malignant Eyelid Tumor

To examine the usefulness and safety of cryotherapy for residual tarsus and free tarsal graft implantation for eyelid reconstruction after excision of malignant eyelid tumor. Fifteen patients with 17 eyelid malignancies (10 sebaceous gland carcinomas and 7 basal cell carcinomas) who underwent eyelid reconstruction between June 2017 and February 2021 were included in the study. In these patients, the tumors were resected in the entire eyelid layer including the safety margin. Only sebaceous gland carcinomas patients underwent cryotherapy at the residual tarsus margin. Then, a free tarsal graft taken from the ipsilateral or contralateral upper eyelid was transplanted into the eyelid plate defect, and anterior lamella reconstruction was performed with an orbicularis oculi myocutaneous advance flap. In both the non-cryotherapy and cryotherapy groups, there were no serious complications such as dropout or necrosis of the free tarsal graft. There were no differences in the occurrence of complications such as eyelid retraction or trichiasis between the 2 groups, but 1 patient who underwent cryotherapy required revision surgery to correct eyelid retraction. In addition, there were no complications on the donor side associated with free tarsal graft collection. The use of a free tarsal graft in the reconstruction of eyelid malignancies is relatively effective and safe, and if vascular support of the anterior lamella is obtained, cryotherapy is less likely to affect the viability of the free tarsal graft and may contribute to a decrease in local recurrence.

Is It Worth Using Botulinum Toxin Injections for the Management of Mild to Moderate Blepharoptosis?

Mild ptosis can be aesthetically displeasing for patients, especially in unilateral cases. However, some patients do not desire to undergo a surgical repair. Botulinum toxin injection might be an option in these cases. The authors sought to objectively examine the effects of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) injection into the orbicularis oculi muscle in the management of blepharoptosis. In this prospective study, 8 patients with mild to moderate ptosis received application of BoNT-A in the pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle. Standardized photographs were obtained at baseline and 2, 4, and 24 weeks. Digital image analysis software (Image J) was employed for objective analysis. Primary outcomes were the margin reflex distance-1 and qualitative changes on a 4-point scale. A significant increase in the margin reflex distance-1 on the treated side (baseline: 2.00 ± 1.13 mm; week 2: 2.52 ± 1.13 mm; P = 0.003) and a significant reduction (baseline: 3.23 ± 0.92 mm, week 2: 3.07 ± 0.96; P = 0.0268) on the contralateral eyelid were observed at week 2. After 24 weeks, the effect of BoNT-A diminished, and no significant difference from baseline was observed in either eyelid. Subjectively, 87.5% of patients reported improvement in their eyelid ptosis. Botulinum toxin injection in the pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle can be an option to temporarily manage ptosis in patients who do not desire to undergo a surgical procedure. This alternative treatment can also be employed to manage temporary ptosis induced by botulinum toxin diffusion to the levator aponeurosis.

Contralateral Forced Eyelid Closure Increases Intraocular Pressure.

The purpose of the study was to describe the influence of contralateral forced eyelid closure on intraocular pressure (IOP). Twenty-one healthy volunteers with no ophthalmic history had their IOP measured in the supine position to simulate the intraoperative environment. Intraocular pressure was measured with a handheld tonometer over three scenarios: (1) both eyes in a relaxed state, (2) eyelid speculum in the right eye with both eyes open and relaxed, (3) eyelid speculum in the right eye with the fellow eye squeezing tightly. Intraocular pressure significantly increased with forced contralateral eyelid squeezing compared with the relaxed state by a mean of 7.71±5.08 mm Hg (95% Confidence Interval of 5.40-7.37), P<0.001. Contralateral eyelid squeezing can significantly increase intraoperative IOP measurements.

Revisiting two clinical techniques for diagnosing myasthenia gravis in Covid times: Pointing to semiology

As it has been evident in these times of the Covid-19 pandemic, the majority of health resources have been focused to the acute treatment, vaccination or research to this condition. By these reasons, some confirmatory complementary tests in many pathologies cannot be made or are postponed, including Myasthenia Gravis. Two clinical neurological signs useful for diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis are revised: the “Curtain Sign” (also called paradoxical ptosis), that is evoked opening the more closed eye, which results in a dropping of the contralateral eyelid; and the Mary-Walker maneuver, which results from repetitive pronation-supination exercise under anaerobic conditions in one or both arms resulting in increasing of bilateral ptosis. The importance of a presumptive early diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis is the early onset of specific treatment even when it’s impossible to carry out complementary studies like single-fiber electromyography, thoracic images, or specific immune studies. .

Upper eyelid weighting for lagophthalmos results in contralateral upper eyelid elevation

ABSTRACT Introduction Upper eyelid weighting decreases lagophthalmos by improving blink dynamics. The effect of weighting on static eyelid position is less well understood. This study describes the effect of upper eyelid weighting on ipsilateral and contralateral upper eyelid position. Methods Patients with unilateral lagophthalmos who underwent upper eyelid weight implantation were included. Primary outcome measures were ipsilateral and contralateral margin to reflex distance 1 (MRD1), preoperatively and postoperatively. MRD1 symmetry was assessed as a secondary outcome measure. Weight mass was examined as a covariate of MRD1 change. Results 23 patients (16 female, 7 male) met inclusion criteria. After weighting, contralateral MRD1 increased from mean [SD] 2.91 [1.41] mm to 3.77 [1.75] mm (p < .05). Ipsilateral (weighted) MRD1 did not significantly change (2.64 [1.41] mm to 2.40 [1.18] mm, p = .11). Preoperatively, paretic and normal side MRD1 were not different (p = .52). Postoperatively, weighted and unweighted MRD1 were significantly different (p < .05). Weight mass was not a covariate of MRD1 change, neither ipsilateral nor contralateral (p = .76, p = .71, respectively). The proportion of patients with MRD1 asymmetry ≥ 1 mm preoperatively (12/23, 52.2%) did not change following surgery (17/23, 73.9%, p = .12). Conclusion Weight insertion led to contralateral eyelid elevation, a manifestation of Hering’s law. Weight mass did not impact the magnitude of MRD1 change, and the proportion of patients with MRD1 asymmetry ≥ 1 mm did not change following surgery. These findings may guide surgeons in their preoperative planning and in counseling of patients.

An anatomical appraisal of dynamic muscle transfer of the orbicularis oculi muscle

Facial nerve palsy can cause significant distress for patients. We investigated the innervation of the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) and assessed the viability of unipedicle contralateral muscle transfer to restore symmetrical and spontaneous blinking. Cadaveric dissection and measurements were performed on lite fixed cadavers (n=15). Medial innervation of the OOM was identified prior to raising and transposing a flap to the contralateral eyelid. Measurements were performed in-situ and following transposition. A medial ascending branch of the buccal nerve innervating the OOM was identified bilaterally in all cadavers. The average length of flap raised was 59.85mm (± 4.69mm) with no difference between the left and right. Flaps with pedicles not dissected off the bone covered 48% of the ciliary margin length (CM) and 62% of the palpebral length (PL). Flaps dissected off the bone covered 72% of the CM and 92% of the PL. The results demonstrate that a flap can theoretically transpose to >50% of the contralateral eyelid length. Increased coverage of the eyelid was achieved by releasing the pedicle from the underlying bone. Little attention was focused on buccal innervation of the eyelids, and this consistent medial pattern may allow an innervated flap transfer to restore symmetrical blinking, something that eludes modern paralysis surgery in a single-stage procedure.

Contralateral eyelid elevation following unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair

ABSTRACT Purpose To report the influence of unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair on the upper eyelid position of the contralateral, non-operative side. Methods An IRB-approved retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who underwent unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair. Patient demographics, etiology of upper eyelid retraction, previous surgeries, and periocular measurements from pre-operative and follow-up visits were reviewed. Results Thirteen patients who underwent unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair due to thyroid eye disease or iatrogenic retraction secondary to ptosis repair demonstrated an elevation in contralateral eyelid height post-operatively. The mean pre-operative MRD-1 was 6.6 mm in the operative eye and 2.6 mm in the contralateral eye. All patients demonstrated a decreased MRD-1 in the operative eye (mean change: −2.6 mm [−38.4%]; standard deviation [SD]: 1.2 mm) and an increased MRD-1 in the contralateral eye (mean change: +1.3 mm [+62.4%]; SD: 0.6 mm) following unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair. The mean post-operative MRD-1 measurements were 4.0 mm ± 0.5 mm and 3.9 mm ± 0.6 mm in the operative and contralateral eyes, respectively. Conclusions Unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair may induce an elevation of the contralateral upper eyelid position in some patients. The findings in this report may support unilateral intervention in patients with upper lid retraction, especially in the setting of contralateral blepharoptosis.

Lower Eyelid Horizontal Tightening in Prostaglandin Associated Periorbitopathy.

To determine the effect of chronic topical use of prostaglandin analogs for glaucoma on lower eyelid tension. A prospective case-control study was performed. Lower eyelid tension was measured in a group of glaucoma patients (73 eyelids) using prostaglandin analogs and a paired control group (87 eyelids). Seven glaucoma patients with unilateral use of prostaglandin analogs had the lower eyelid tension of the exposed side compared with the contralateral eyelid. Eyelid tension was digitally measured in photographs in neutral position and after manual downward traction in the center of the eyelid (modified distraction test). Duration of drug exposition, age, use of other topical medication and other prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy signs as long eyelashes, eyelid hyperemia, eyelid pigmentation, and deepening of upper eyelid sulcus were recorded for analysis. Mean lower eyelid tension in prostaglandin group was significantly higher than in control group: distraction 5.26 mm (SD 1.52) versus 6.80 mm (SD 1.29) (p < 0.001). On the unilateral prostaglandin use intragroup comparison, mean lower eyelid distraction in prostaglandin side was 4.24 mm (SD 1.80) and in control side was 6.79 mm (SD 1.63) (p < 0.012). Beta blocker and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor concomitant use was associated with lower eyelid tension measures in prostaglandin users. Presence of long eyelashes was associated with higher eyelid tension. All other measured variables did not demonstrate interaction with eyelid tension. Chronic topical use of prostaglandin analogs for glaucoma is associated with lower eyelid tightening.

Reconstruction of total upper eyelid defects using a myocutaneous advancement flap and a composite contralateral upper eyelid tarsus and hard palate grafts

Reconstruction of total upper eyelid defects using a myocutaneous advancement flap and a composite contralateral upper eyelid tarsus and hard palate grafts

Reperfusion of Free Full-Thickness Skin Grafts in Periocular Reconstructive Surgery Monitored Using Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging.

Free skin grafts are frequently used in reconstructive surgery. However, little is known about the course of reperfusion due to the previous lack of reliable perfusion monitoring techniques. The aim of this study was to use state-of-the-art laser speckle contrast imaging to monitor free skin grafts in the periocular area. Seven patients needing surgery due to tumor removal or cicatricial ectropion in the periocular region underwent reconstructive surgery using free skin grafts from either the contralateral upper eyelid or the upper inner arm. The free skin grafts measured 10-30 mm horizontally and 9-30 mm vertically. Blood perfusion was monitored using laser speckle contrast imaging immediately postoperatively (0 weeks) and at follow-up after 1, 3, and 7 weeks. All grafts were reperfused gradually during healing, the median value being 46% in the central part of the graft after 1 week and 79% after 3 weeks. The grafts were completely reperfused after 7 weeks. No difference was observed in the rate of reperfusion between the center and periphery of the grafts (p = not significant). The cosmetic and functional outcome was excellent in all but 1 patient, who developed ectropion that had to be surgically corrected. Skin grafts in the periorbital area are fully reperfused after 7 weeks. The periocular area is known to be well-vascularized and thus forgiving to reconstructive surgery. Future investigations of the reperfusion of free skin grafts in other parts of the body or in higher-risk populations should be carried out.