Island orbicularis oculis myocutaneous flap from the upper eyelid for lower eyelid reconstruction

An island myocutaneous flap of orbicularis oculis for reconstruction of central lower eyelid defects is presented. This flap is able to cover anterior lamellar defects extending up to 2/3 of the lower eyelid. It is also suitable for full thickness defects when the posterior lamellar involvement is less than 1/3 and can be closed primarily. In our hands this flap proved to be a good alternative to the classic reconstructive methods for the lower eyelid, since in one operation it offers the same skin quality, exactly fitting the defect, with a low complication rate. This reconstructive method for lower eyelid defects is safe, relatively simple and provides good functional and aesthetic results. Received: 21 August 1996 / Accepted: 15 June 1997