Esthetic Posterior Reconstruction of Lower Eyelid Using Stripe-Shaped Antihelix Cartilage With Perichondrium

Abstract

Eyelid malignancies are often resected in the entire layer, typically requiring anterior and posterior lamellae reconstruction. Posterior lamella reconstruction has been reported using grafts from the nasal septum, palatal mucosa, and auricular cartilage, which have advantages and disadvantages. The authors performed anterior and posterior lamellar reconstruction using a local skin flap and stripe-shaped anti-helical cartilage with the perichondrium in 3 total defect cases after basal cell carcinoma resection of the lower eyelid. The auricular cartilage was excised in strips with the surrounding perichondrium attached and simultaneously reconstructed, with the auricular cartilage as the tarsal and the perichondrium as the conjunctival substitute. In all 3 cases, good results were obtained without eyelid ectropion or corneal irritation 1 year postoperatively. No auricular deformities were observed. However, partial lower eyelid ptosis was observed in 2 cases. In future cases, correctively over-fixating the lower eyelid morphology is necessary.