Deep Temporal Fascia Coverage of the Loading Weight in Paralytic Lagopthalmos Patients

Use of a weight for lagopthalmos secondary to facial nerve paralysis is the standard technique for achieving effective eyelid closure. However, because of thin and mobile skin of the eyelid and closely opposed implant, there is increased risk of complications such as implant visibility, contour deformity, and implant extrusion.

The authors describe a surgical technique involving coverage of the implanted weight with contralateral deep temporal fascia. The deep temporal fascia serves as a hammock to give an interventional barrier to prevent dehiscence of the pocket and extrusion of the ocular implant. It also provides camouflage to the irregular borders of the gold weight.

Autologous coverage of gold weight with deep temporal fascia provides an effective solution to commonly associated complications with the gold weights. The use of contralateral temporal fascia preserves the ipsilateral temporalis muscle for future facial nerve reconstruction.