Eye Comfort and Physiological Reconstruction of an Entire Upper Eyelid Defect

Objective: Reconstruction of an extensive full-thickness upper eyelid defect is challenging. The purpose of this report is to introduce this procedure with emphasis on reconstruction of the eyelid margin to obtain eye comfort.

Methods: We designed a technique using a radial forearm flap for the outer layer to reconstruct the entire eyelid after resection of Merkel cell carcinoma. In additional, the inner layer and the eyelid margin were reconstructed with a buccal mucosal graft and a reverse Hughes flap.

Results: There has been no recurrence of the tumor, opening and closing functions of the eyelid are maintained, and the patient has not complained of eye discomfort.

Conclusion: Maintenance of mobility, flexibility, and a good ocular surface in contact with the sensitive cornea are the main foci of upper eyelid reconstruction, with an optimal fissure height and an appropriate contour of the eyelid. In addition, to obtain eye comfort, it is important to protect the cornea without significantly restricting eyelid mobility.