Revisiting the upper eyelid blepharoplasty advancement flap:adaptation for the repair of full-thickness upper eyelid defects—a case series

摘要

A blepharoplasty flap has been previously reported as a useful reconstruction approach for anterior lamellar defects lying between the lash line and the eyelid crease.We herein describe a variation of the blepharoplasty flap and suggest its use as an adjunct in the reconstruction of full-thickness lateral upper eyelid defects.Technique description and retrospective interventional case series.The reconstruction technique was used by an experienced oculoplastics surgeon(ASL)in 3 adults with malignant lesions involving the lateral upper eyelid margin,resulting in a post-excision 50%full-thickness defect between November 2017 and June 2020.The posterior lamella was reconstructed using an ipsilateral free tarsal graft and an inferiorly hinged transposition periosteal flap.The anterior lamella reconstruction was then performed using a local advancement flap utilizing the principles of upper blepharoplasty and Burow’s triangle.Almost full eyelid excursion and full gentle closure were evident at 1–2 weeks follow-up in all three cases.One case later developed 1–2 mm of gentle closure lagophthalmos and was managed successfully with topical lubricants.In all patients,the final eyelid contour and symmetry were adequate,with only minimal scarring,evident already 3 to 4 months postoperative.There were no major complications or need for revisions.The technique described herein highlights the utility of the blepharoplasty flap for lateral,full-thickness upper eyelid defects.This logical variation enables the reconstruction of significant defects using only local tissue,obeying the“like with like”principle,and helps avoid the need for a bridging flap.We provide preliminary evidence of the potential of a good cosmetic outcome of upper lid appearance and contour,together with a fast recovery of appropriate eyelid function.