The Use of Hard Palate Mucosal Graft Combined with Lateral Canthus Suspension for Ocular Prosthesis Stability

Abstract

Summary: Different surgical approaches exist for lower eyelid reconstruction. The hard palate mucosa graft stands out due to its abundance, accessibility, good tolerance, and ability to yield long-term stable results in eyelid elevation. This case report details the successful full-thickness reconstruction of the lower eyelid in an anophthalmic patient using a palatal mucosal graft, complemented by orbicularis muscle suspension. The patient presented with severe lower eyelid retraction state and instability of the ocular prosthesis. After a thorough assessment, the decision was made to address the mucosal defect using a split-thickness palatal mucosal graft, supplemented by lateral canthus suspension. Postoperatively, there were no complications, and the cosmetic result was excellent. With our method, we were able to obtain a functional and cosmetically good result of lower eyelid reconstruction in an anophthalmic socket.