Orbicularis Oculi Myocutaneous Flap for Upper Cicatricial Ectropion

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Cicatricial ectropion correction is challenging due to tissue matching and donor site morbidity.
• Upper eyelid ectropion requires specialized reconstructive techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap for correcting upper cicatricial ectropion.
• To assess complications, recurrence rates, and cosmetic outcomes of this surgical technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 8 consecutive patients with upper cicatricial ectropion.
• Transfer of an orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap from the same eyelid.
• Evaluation of flap viability, complications, recurrence, function, and cosmesis post-surgery.

Main Results:

• All flaps demonstrated viability.
• One severe case experienced partial recurrence.
• Satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes were achieved in the follow-up period (4-41 months).

Conclusions:

• The orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap is an effective method for correcting upper cicatricial ectropion.
• This technique utilizes redundant tissue from blepharoplasty, minimizing donor site morbidity.
• Good cosmetic results are achievable due to concealed scarring and minimal tissue harvesting.