Lower eyelid reconstruction with a cheek flap supported by fascia lata

The use of a check 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 check flap is required for full-thickness reconstruc tion. 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 fo r the cheek flap instead of rigid tissues like cartilages. A fascia lata st rip is fixed with tolerable tension to the medial canthal tendon and latera l 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 co rnea. We present here seven patients in whom this procedure was used for lower ey elid reconstruction following resection of a malignant skill tumor. Based o n follow-ups of 7 to 22 months, the functional and aesthetic results have b een good in all cases. This procedure may be applicable for total ol subtot al reconstruction of the lower eyelid.