Efficacy of pre-expanded forehead flap based on the superficial temporal artery in correction of cicatricial ectropion of the lower eyelid

Lower eyelid retraction or ectropion bring suffering to the patients both physically and mentally. Efforts to explore pertinent surgical treatments are still needed. Here we have described our preferred surgical technique for lower eyelid ectropion repair with pre-expanded island forehead flaps or pedicled forehead flaps. Between July 2007 and March 2017, a retrospective review of 12 patients who suffered from cicatricial lower eyelid ectropion as a result of trauma, surgery, or infection was conducted. Forehead skin flap based on the superficial temporal artery was expanded depending on the area of defect of the lower eyelid. Tissue expansion, flap transfer, pedicle delaying and division were involved in this process. There were no major complications, such as expander exposure, infection, haematoma or large skin flap necrosis in all the 12 patients. Venous congestion was reported in two patients. No recurrent ectropion was noted in any patient. During the three-month to two-year follow-up all patients were satisfied with the results in terms of the skin texture, colour, and flexibility after the treatment with an expanded forehead skin flap. This study suggests that expanded forehead skin flaps are effective for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid ectropion.