Extended Hair-bearing Lateral Orbital Flap for Simultaneous Reconstruction of Eyebrow and Eyelid

BACKGROUND When a tumor in the lateral eyebrow region is resected, reconstruction of the eyebrow and upper eyelid defects is necessary. We perform simultaneous reconstruction of such defects; sideburn hair is included on an extended lateral orbital flap. We describe our method and results of a retrospective evaluation. METHODS We treated 6 patients with partial eyebrow and upper eyelid defects. An extended lateral orbital flap was designed on the lateral region of the lateral canthus including sideburn hair and was elevated with a pedicle of the orbicularis oculi muscle. Flap size, surgical outcomes, and reconstructed eyebrow morphology were evaluated. RESULTS Mean flap size was 2.7 × 4.1 cm, with a maximum width and length of 3.5 and 5.1 cm, respectively. The mean hair-bearing region was 1.4 × 0.9 cm, with a maximum width and length of 1.8 and 1.3 cm, respectively. Total flap survival and hair growth were confirmed in all patients. The reconstructed eyebrow and eyelid were aesthetically satisfactory. The new eyebrow hair grew long and was directed upward but considered acceptable. No additional surgery was performed for any patient. The donor site scar was acceptable because it followed the wrinkles of the lateral eyelid. No paralysis of the temporal branch of the facial nerve resulted. CONCLUSIONS The procedure for raising an extended hair-bearing lateral orbital flap is relatively easy, although attention must be paid to the temporal facial nerve. This flap is useful for simultaneously reconstructing defects of the upper eyelid and lateral eyebrow.