Full-thickness lower eyelid reconstruction with a conchal chondro-perichondral graft and local coverage with...

Eyelid reconstruction represents a challenge because of the complexity of this structure. Full-thickness eyelid defects demand the reconstruction of 2 fundamental elements: anterior and posterior lamellae. The available reconstructive techniques are all associated with the attention to restore the support and responsibility of eyelid stability, represented physiologically by the tarsus. In 1987, Matsuo proposed a reconstructive technique that involved the use of a chondro-perichondral graft harvested from the auricular concha to reconstruct the posterior lamella, and an adjacent skin flap to restore the anterior lamella.

We report our divisional experience of a series of 28 patients operated on from 2000 to 2004, whose eyelid restoration was achieved with the use of Matsuo's technique modified with the purpose to avoid complications such as ectropion or lagophtalmus.

All the grafts survived, and no major complication such as ectropion or lagophthalmos has been detected. Our specialistic judgment has ranged from good to excellent regarding symmetry, eyelid closure, and donor site morbidity. Patients were entirely satisfied with the functional result obtained, and generally with the esthetic outcome also, judged as ranging from good to extremely satisfactory.

The success of eyelid reconstruction using modified Matsuo's technique depends, in our minds, on an adequate knowledge of traditional eyelid reconstruction methods, and on a few technical fine points that help to reduce postoperative complications and to optimize the quality of the end result; hence, this technique has become the gold standard in lower eyelid reconstruction in our division.