TITLE:
Upper Eyelid Myocutaneous Flap and External Tarsorrhaphy, Two Combined Minimally Invasive Techniques in the Functional and Cosmetic Correction of Cicatricial Ectropion of the Lower Eyelid: An Experience of Two Clinical Cases Follow in Short Term
AUTHORS:
Julls Celestin Apouakone, Elie Fazaa, Loubna El Hajj, Greta Lipa, Sophie Cassier, Eric Dunet
KEYWORDS:
Ectropion, Scar, Flap, Eyelid, Tarsorrhaphy
JOURNAL NAME:
Modern Plastic Surgery,
Vol.15 No.1,
January
26,
2025
ABSTRACT: Cicatricial ectropion of the eyelid is an eversion of its edge, which has moved away from the globe. It is frequently the result of cicatricial retraction after trauma. The main risk is the occurrence of a corneal ulcer or chronic conjunctivitis. Their treatment is often difficult, especially when the ectropion is old and significant. There are several classic techniques for correcting cicatricial ectropions, but the technique of the myocutaneous flap combined with external tarsorrhaphy without damage to the canthal ligament is minimally invasive, not very widespread, yet responds very well to the rules of plastic surgery. We report two cases of post-traumatic cicatricial ectropions of the left lower eyelid, respectively in a 33-year-old and an 87-year-old, treated using this technique. The surgical procedure was performed in two stages, after evaluation of the skin of the flap to be harvested: harvesting of the flap and closure plasty including external tarsorrhaphy. Patient follow-up did not note any complications. This combined technique offers a minimally invasive alternative for the often-delicate treatment of ectropions.