One-stage reconstruction of full-thickness lower eyelid defects using a subcutaneous pedicle flap lined by a palatal mucosal graft

The authors previously reported a subcutaneous pedicle flap pivoting on the lateral canthus to reconstruct the skin of a whole eyelid as an aesthetic unit. A palatal mucosal graft was added to line the conjunctival side of the flap to make a one-stage reconstruction of the full-thickness eyelid. Although it is becoming popular to use the palatal mucosa as a conjunctival substitute, there are very few reports on the one-stage reconstruction of the eyelid. Two patients with total defects of the lower eyelid resulting from resection of malignant skin tumours have been treated using this technique. The functional and aesthetic results have been excellent in both cases.