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Eyelid reconstruction using temporary tissue expanders and cartilage grafts.
1Department of Ophthalmology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Tissue expansion successfully reconstructed eyelids after severe burns. This technique, using specialized eyelid expanders and cartilage grafts, offers a new solution for oculoplastic surgery.
Area of Science:
- Oculoplastic Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Skin expansion is vital in plastic surgery for breast reconstruction and scar revision.
- Oculoplastic surgery has limitedly utilized tissue expansion techniques.
- Severe burns can cause significant eyelid damage, necessitating innovative reconstructive methods.
Observation:
- A novel eyelid tissue expander, comprising an expander and reservoir connected by silicone tubing, was employed.
- The expander was inserted into the remnants of both upper and lower eyelids.
- Saline was injected incrementally into the reservoir to achieve slow, controlled expansion.
Findings:
- The tissue expander successfully expanded the eyelid tissue.
- Following expansion, ear cartilage grafts were inserted into the newly created eyelid spaces.
- The reconstructed eyelids closely resembled normal anatomical structures.
Implications:
- This study demonstrates the efficacy of tissue expansion in severe eyelid reconstruction.
- The findings suggest potential for broader applications of tissue expansion in oculoplastic procedures.
- Further research into new uses for tissue expansion in reconstructive surgery is warranted.