Lower eyelid reconstruction with a cheek flap supported by fascia lata.
The use of a cheek rotation flap is a well-known method for reconstruction of a large defect of the lower eyelid. In this technique, a separate lining tissue supporting the cheek flap is required for full-thickness reconstruction. Previously, a chondromucosal graft or conchal cartilage has been used to support this flap. Recently, we have used a homologous or autologous fascia lata as support for the cheek flap instead of rigid tissues like cartilages. A fascia lata strip is fixed with tolerable tension to the medial canthal tendon and lateral orbital rim. The inner surface of the fascia and the cheek flap is lined with a buccal mucosa graft to decrease irritation of the conjunctiva and cornea. We present here seven patients in whom this procedure was used for lower eyelid reconstruction following resection of a malignant skin tumor. Based on follow-ups of 7 to 22 months, the functional and aesthetic results have been good in all cases. This procedure may be applicable for total or subtotal reconstruction of the lower eyelid.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery*; D005206:Fascia Lata; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps