Facial Plast Surg 2011; 27(3): 276-283
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1275777
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Surgical Reconstruction of Eyelids

Myriam Ehmke1 , Volker Schwipper2
  • 1Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Westfälische Wilhelms University of Münster, Münster, Germany
  • 2Fachklinik Hornheide, Münster, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 May 2011 (online)

ABSTRACT

Tumors of the eyelid region are a special entity within the tumors of head and neck. Their early recognition and histologic classification helps to avoid extensive and destructive surgery, which is particularly challenging with regard to the surgical repair of those defects. In 58% of the patients with eyelid tumors treated at Fachklinik Hornheide between 2002 and 2006, a malignant neoplasia was diagnosed. In eyelid surgery, particular principles need to be observed. Provided those guidelines are strictly observed, even extensive defects of the upper or lower eyelid can be repaired in an aesthetically acceptable manner. When reconstructing a lower eyelid, not only restoration of the original structure of the margin of the lower eyelid including the ciliary edge is aimed at but also stabilization of the eyelid especially in reconstruction of the lateral angle of the eye. Static reconstruction is not sufficient in many cases with extensive defects of the upper eyelid. It is necessary not only to replace skin, mucosa, and tarsus, but also to restore mobility and function of the upper eyelid to enable complete eyelid closure to protect the cornea. In the current study, the experience with various techniques of eyelid reconstruction and their functional and aesthetic implications are presented and discussed.

REFERENCES

  • 1 Schwipper V, Tilkorn H. Benigne und maligne Neoplasien der Lider – Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Rekonstruktion. In: Sebastian G, Stein A, Hackert I, eds. Standards und Trends in der operativen und onkologischen Dermatologie, Phlebologie und Proktologie. Berlin, Germany: Congress Compact; 2001: 151-156
  • 2 Hübner H. [Closure of eyelid defects by transplantation of lid margin and tarsus (author's transl)].  Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. 1976;  168 677-682
  • 3 Eusterholz T H, Wenzel M. [Eyelid reconstruction with tarsomarginal transplant].  Ophthalmologe. 1997;  94 745-750
  • 4 Liebau J, Schulze-Eilfing U, Schulz A, Schwipper V. Satisfactory functional and aesthetic eyelid reconstruction using a three-layer composite graft: the tarsomarginal transplant.  Eur J Plast Surg. 2005;  28 259-263
  • 5 Esser J. Die Rotation der Wange und allgemeine Bemerkungen bei chirurgischer Gesichtsplastik. Leipzig, Germany: Vogel; 1918
  • 6 Imre J. Operationen an den Lidern. In: Thiel R, ed. Opthalmologische Operationslehre. Leipzig, Germany: Thieme; 1943
  • 7 Cutler N L, Beard C. A method for partial and total upper lid reconstruction.  Am J Ophthalmol. 1955;  39 1-7
  • 8 Abbé R. A new plastic operation for the relief of deformity due to hairlip.  Med Rec. 1898;  53 477-478
  • 9 Mustarde J C. Repair and Reconstruction in the Orbital Region. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins; 1966
  • 10 Schwipper V, Tilkorn H, eds. Fortschritte in der kraniofazialen chirurgischen Prothetik und Epithetik. Einhorn, Germany: Reinbeck; 1997

Myriam EhmkeM.D. D.D.S. 

Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Westfälische Wilhelms University of Münster

Dorbaumstrasse 300, D-48157 Münster, Germany

Email: myriam.ehmke@fachklinik-hornheide.de

    >