Eyelid reconstruction using temporary tissue expanders and cartilage grafts

Temporary tissue expanders have been used in general plastic surgery to expand skin for breast reconstruction and for scar revision. A specifically designed eyelid tissue expander was used to reconstruct both upper and lower eyelids in a patient suffering a severe lye burn. The implant consists of an expander and a reservoir, connected by silicone tubing. The implants are inserted into the remnant of both eyelids and expanded slowly with multiple injections of saline into the reservoir. After full expansion is achieved the expanders are removed and ear cartilage grafts inserted into the eyelids. The newly created eyelids resemble normal eyelids. The technique of tissue expansion has had very limited use in oculoplastic surgery but new applications are waiting to be discovered.