Malar fat pad elevation: An aid to closure

BACKGROUND. In closure of defects inferior to the eye, it is important to a void inducing lower lid ectropion. OBJECTIVE. To describe a new technique for closure of defects inferior and lateral to the eye. METHODS. A case of malar fat pad elevation to close a post-Mohs surgical de fect is described and the procedure is detailed. RESULTS. This technique enabled good wound closure with minimal tension and avoided the complication of ectropion. A transient asymmetry was manifest postoperatively. CONCLUSION. Malar fat pad elevation is an effective and elegant means of cl osing defects inferior and lateral to the eye. This technique minimizes ext ensive tissue undermining and movement with its consequences of postoperati ve tissue swelling, bruising, and hematoma formation. The side effect of ec tropion is prevented.