Total reconstruction of a partial-thickness upper eyelid defect with the expanded forehead flap.

This paper demonstrates examples of successful reconstruction of partial-thickness eyelid defects using the expanded forehead flap. Two patients are presented: one in whom cicatrical ectropion was present and the other in whom there was an absence of ectropion. In both patients primary grafting was executed just after the injury was sustained. By the time the patients were referred for reconstruction, mismatch in the quality of the skin and scars along the border of the graft left the area of primary repair to be impaired aesthetically as well as functionally. Reconstruction of the upper eyelid using the expanded forehead flap resulted in excellent approximation of the native tissue. Aesthetic as well as functional capacities were considered in this approximation. The advantage of this technique is that it offers a larger amount of tissue without compromising the aesthetic or functional similarity to the native eyelid.