Periorbital reconstruction using variations of the upper eyelid flap

Tissues that have characteristics identical or similar to periorbital soft tissue are preferred for reconstruction in the eye region. The upper eyelid is part of the periorbital area that provides an ideal reserve of tissue for this purpose, without producing a donor-site deformity. We used the upper eyelid flap with different pedicle designs in various parts of the periorbital region in 21 patients, and achieved favourable results. The flap was medially-based in five, superomedially-based in seven, laterally-based in eight, and superolaterally-based in one. The tissue defects were the result of the excision of tumours in 18 patients, and of injury in three. The defects were located in the upper eyelid in two, the lower eyelid in five, the medial canthus in eight, the lateral canthus in four, and in the neighbouring orbitonasal zones in two. Different sized flaps were used according to the dimensions of the defects, which ranged from about 1 to 8 cm2. The upper eyelid flap is versatile, and provides tissue of ideal colour and texture. The procedure can be done quickly in one stage with minimal morbidity.