The effect and applications of acellular dermal allograft (AlloDerm) in ophthalmic plastic surgery

To describe the use and efficacy of AlloDerm in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

A retrospective review was conducted of 31 eyes of 25 patients who underwent an AlloDerm graft procedure for correction of lower lid retraction, anophthalmic socket contraction, superior sulcus deformity, implant exposure, or skin defect. Clinical outcomes were measured by the degree of improvement and incidence of complications. Operation success and reoperation rates were also evaluated.

There were 15 cases of lower lid retraction, 10 anophthalmic socket contractions, 2 superior sulcus deformities, 2 orbital implant exposures, and 2 periorbital skin defects. The mean age of the patients was 44.7 (±2.8) years. The mean follow-up period was 16.7 (±2.5) months. Twenty-seven eyes (87.1%) had successful outcomes and 4 eyes of 4 patients required further surgery. Three of those were due to undercorrection, and the other was due to severe adhesion. Applications of AlloDerm skin substitute were satisfactory at the 6-month follow-up examination. There were no statistically significant factors, such as underlying causes or degrees and locations of defects that impacted on outcome.

AlloDerm is an excellent material for correction of lid retraction, contracted socket, superior sulcus deformity, and implant exposure. In patients for whom periorbital skin grafts or flaps are inappropriate or difficult to perform, the use of AlloDerm to cover skin defects may be a good option.