ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the therapeutic effect of temporal-zygomatic expanded flaps pedicled with orbicularis oculi muscle (00M) for sub-orbital defects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>16 cases with sub-orbital defects were treated. The expanders were implanted at temporal-zygomatic region at the first stage. At the second stage, temporal-zygomatic expanded flaps pedicled with OOM were designed and transferred to repair the suborbital defects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the expanded flaps survived completely. 11 cases were followed up for 3 months to 3 years. The flaps had no contracture with a good match of color and texture with surrounding tissue. The scar was also inconspicious.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The temporal-zygomatic expanded flaps can be used for large size defects below orbit. It is very flexible, leaving minimal morbidity for the whole face.</p>