Improved Reverse Postauricular Island Flap for Repair of Lower Conjunctival Fornix Retraction

Abstract

Abstract: Repair of lower conjunctival fornix retraction is a great challenge for plastic surgeons in the aspects of orbital prosthesis retaining and cosmetic appearance. Hereby, a 25-year-old woman, suffering from lower conjunctival fornix retraction after the removal of retinoblastoma and radiotherapy, was undertaking the treatment with an improved reverse postauricular island flap for expansion of the lower conjunctival fornix, and volume augmentation of the anophthalmic socket in one stage. The flap was based on the parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery and its vascular architecture to the postauricular vascular system, and successfully transferred by passing through a subcutaneous tunnel. The satisfactory result indicated that the mentioned technique may be a good option in surgical rehabilitation of the stable depth of the lower conjunctival fornix, not only from the reliable blood supply and the suitable thickness of the flap but also from the less donor morbidity without an exposed unsightly scar.

Level of evidence: Level V.