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Keloidal scarring in hard palate grafts
Meredith S Baker1, Angela R McAllister, Nasreen A Syed
1Departments of *Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, †Pathology, and ‡Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.A.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|December 10, 2013
Summary
This study reports a rare case of bilateral keloidal scarring in hard palate grafts used for lower eyelid retraction. The grafts required surgical excision due to complications, highlighting a potential risk in eyelid reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Oculoplastic Surgery
- Tissue Grafting
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Hard palate grafts are a standard surgical option for correcting lower eyelid retraction.
- This technique is generally associated with minimal complications.
- Eyelid reconstruction aims to restore function and aesthetics.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old woman presented with ocular irritation after bilateral hard palate grafts for lower eyelid retraction.
- She developed bilateral graft hypertrophy with secondary entropion.
- The grafts were surgically removed.
Findings:
- Pathological examination revealed keloidal scarring within the excised hard palate grafts.
- This represents the first reported instance of bilateral keloidal scarring in hard palate grafts requiring excision.
- The scarring occurred in normal donor tissue.
Implications:
- Oculoplastic surgeons must be aware of keloidal scarring as a potential complication of hard palate grafting.
- Informed consent discussions should include this rare but significant risk.
- This finding may influence future considerations for eyelid reconstruction techniques.
