The role of the browplasty rotational flap in lower eyelid reconstruction

The excision of a basal cell carcinoma of the lower eyelid often leaves a large defect. The rotational browplasty flap with a full thickness buccal mucous membrane graft permits satisfactory reconstruction when standard procedures have failed or are not advisable. It is especially useful in recurrent lid tumors where surgery and/or radiotherapy have been unsuccessful in controlling the tumor. Although the graft may produce a thicker lower lid, and the brow may be elevated because of the graft, it allows the surgeon to repair a large lower eyelid defect when other methods cannot be used.