Use of temporalis fascia in eyelid reconstruction

Full-thickness eyelid defects, as a result of trauma, continue to present a dilemma to the reconstructive surgeon. The authors present a technique of utilizing a temporalis fascia graft to hammock and support a nasal septal cartilage graft as part of reconstruction of the lower eyelid and the lateral canthus after traumatic avulsion. The static suspension afforded by the fascia helps produce proper apposition of the lower eyelid to the globe and provides lateral canthal support. This tissue implant is well tolerated in the eyelid and is readily available in the ophthalmic surgical field.