Orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap in reconstruction of postburn lower eyelid ectropion

The management of postburn lower eyelid ectropion is difficult, since the c ontraction of the skin graft may give rise to secondary deformities especia lly around the lateral 1/3 of the lower eyelid. In this paper, the results of reconstruction in lower eyelid ectropion with a laterally based orbicula ris oculi myocutaneous flap from the upper eyelid in 7 young patients are p resented. Satisfactory function and cosmesis were obtained in the evaluatio n of the patients up to 40 months follow-up. The method proved versatile as the donor scar was well-hidden in the supratarsal fold and the temporally based myocutaneous flap provided additional support to the lower eyelid by exerting an upward pull against the gravity. It is concluded that usage of this flap in postburn ectropion cases is worthwhile to avoid any recurrence s. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.