Zygomatic-palpebral flap: an optional technique for lower eyelid reconstruction

▪ ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Lower eyelid reconstruction represents a unique challenge to plastic surgeons, since it involves a facial region of aesthetic and functional importance. The objective is to present an optional technique for the reconstruction of lower eyelid defects using zygomatic-palpebral skin flap. This technique represents an alternative in cases of scleroatrophic skin in older patients, and for young people who do not have an upper eyelid skin redundancy, which prevents, for example, the use of upper eyelid grafts or flaps such as those of Fricke or Tripier.

Methods:

The authors describe the flap used in cases of cicatricial ectropion and reconstruction after resection of neoplasms and association with other flaps, such as those of Hughes, or for coverage of cartilage grafts. The flap consisted of a transposition flap made up of skin and underlying subcutaneous tissues, randomized . The technique was based on the use of a local flap with highly similar characteristics to the defect area, which allowed it to mimic functions, while being safe and feasible.

Results:

The immediate and late results in terms of aesthetics and function were satisfactory and well accepted by patients and the surgical team, with adequate eyelid occlusion and preserved ocular lubrication.

Conclusion:

The advantages of the zygomatic-palpebral flap are its ease of execution, minimal bleeding, low morbidity of the donor area, and the use of local anesthesia. The reconstruction of eyelid defects aims to restore anatomy and function. This can be a challenging task, especially in cases with larger defects that may be present after oncologic procedures both in young and old patients presenting with scleroatrophic skin and minimal tissue laxity.

Keywords:
Eye; Eyelids; Conjunctiva; Eyelid diseases; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Flaps.