[Upper eyelid reconstruction with the Cutler-Beard flap technique: Retrospective study of 16 cases]

Large, full thickness upper eyelid defects are still difficult to deal with in oculoplastic surgery. High specificity in the anatomy and function of the upper eyelid shows how difficult reconstruction can be. We aimed to assess the results provided by the Cutler-Beard flap technique.

We conducted a retrospective study of all patients who had undergone Cutler-Beard flap reconstruction in the Oculoplastic service of La Fondation Rothschild in Paris, from January 2008 to June 2013. Sixteen patients were included.

Fifteen flaps remained viable during the follow-up examinations. Opening, occlusion and palpebral position were very satisfactory in 11, 12 and 11 cases respectively. The ocular surface was preserved in 8 cases and exhibited only mild alterations in 5 cases. The average aesthetic result was noted 2/3 for 11 patients with postoperative photographs. We did not observe any relapses with oncologic indications.

Upper eyelid reconstruction by the Cutler-Beard flap technique appears to provide good functional and aesthetic restoration in the majority of cases. In the others, a simple additional surgery under local anaesthetic and/or sedation provides adequate correction in most instances.