The use of soft tissue expanders in periocular reconstruction: a case series

To describe the use of soft tissue expanders for periocular reconstruction in the presence of limited local tissue availability.

A retrospective case series of 5 patients who attended the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. They presented a reconstructive challenge due either to the presence of periocular scarring or to a marked loss or limitation of normal local skin for reconstruction. The soft tissue expander (SOE-3624 device) was inserted under the skin and subcutaneous tissue at a site selected to provide the desired additional tissue. Over periods of time varying from 6 to 16 weeks, the soft tissue expander was gradually inflated with injections of sterile saline in the outpatient clinic. As soon as the desired amount of additional skin and subcutaneous tissue had been obtained, reconstructive surgery was undertaken. Functional and cosmetic results were the main outcomes of the intervention.

Four of the patients had the device inserted in the lower eyelid or cheek area and one patient had the device inserted above the eyebrow. No episode of tissue necrosis occurred in our patients. All the devices were tolerated by the patients and were removed without any complications. The implant migrated in one patient, limiting the reconstructive surgery, and one patient had a lateral canthal dehiscence following reconstruction. All patients thought that the surgery had improved their cosmesis. No patient required any additional surgical procedures.

The authors conclude that the SOE-3624 tissue expander represents a good option in providing additional tissue for periocular reconstruction, particularly in younger patients. It was well tolerated and effective in this series.