A COMBINATION OF CHEEK FLAP, CARTILAGE INSERTION, AND FAT TRANSFER ON POST-TRAUMA LOWER EYELID ECTROPION RECONSTRUCTION
Ectropion correction surgery is a critical procedure aimed at restoring the anterior lamella of the eyelid to its anatomical position. This study explores an innovative combination of surgical techniques — the Mustarde rotational cheek flap, cartilage insertion, and fat transfer — as a method for reconstructing post-traumatic ectropion. These techniques offer a promising solution to address the volume loss and scar formation often associated with traumatic injuries.
A 10-year-old girl presented with ectropion caused by scar tissue formation and volume loss in the infraorbital region following a traumatic incident that occurred seven years earlier. To address this, a comprehensive approach was employed:
- Mustarde rotational cheek flap: Used to reconstruct the scar tissue in the infraorbital region, correcting the ectropion.
- Pure ear cartilage insertion: This was performed to repair the damaged tarsal plate, providing structural support to the eyelid.
- Fat transfer: To restore lost volume beneath the scar tissue in the infraorbital area. The donor fat was harvested from the inguinal region to restore a more natural contour.
The rationale for using the Mustarde rotational cheek flap alongside cartilage insertion and fat transfer stems from the wide donor area available, especially in cases where the vertical dimension of the ectropion exceeds the horizontal. This technique offers several advantages over traditional methods, such as skin grafts, by achieving better outcomes in terms of both function and aesthetics. The fat transfer was particularly beneficial in restoring the lost volume beneath the scar tissue, which had resulted from the traumatic injury. This combination approach is believed to be not only more durable but also economically advantageous compared to alternative reconstructive techniques.
The combination of the Mustarde rotational cheek flap, cartilage insertion, and fat transfer provides significant improvements in the outcomes of reconstructive procedures for post-traumatic ectropion. This technique offers effective scar tissue release and volume restoration, leading to superior functional and aesthetic results in comparison to other methods. It presents a promising, durable, and cost-effective solution for ectropion correction.
