Advancement Flap Using Excess Skin for Upper Eyelid Full-Thickness Defects.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Reconstructing large upper eyelid defects traditionally requires multi-stage procedures.
• Achieving a functional and aesthetically pleasing eyelid with adequate corneal protection remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new single-stage surgical technique for reconstructing full-thickness upper eyelid defects.
• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of this novel approach.

Main Methods:

• A single-stage reconstruction utilizing an advancement flap with excess eyelid skin and an ear cartilage graft for the posterior lining.
• The technique involves suturing ear cartilage to the remaining tarsus and connecting it to the levator aponeurosis and posterior lamella.
• The outer layer is closed with a rectangular advancement flap.

Main Results:

• The technique was successfully applied to four patients aged 62 to 88 years.
• All patients achieved satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes following the single-stage reconstruction.
• The procedure demonstrated good corneal protection and eyelid mobility.

Conclusions:

• This novel single-stage technique provides an effective and simpler alternative for reconstructing full-thickness upper eyelid defects.
• The use of advancement flaps combined with ear cartilage grafts offers a less invasive option compared to traditional multi-stage methods.