Using kite flap to repair the anterior lamellar skin defects of eyelid / 中华医学美学美容杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the use of the kite flap (als o known as subcutaneous pedicled V-Y advancement flap)for the repair of moderate -sized anterior lamellar skin defects of eyelid. Methods Since 1994, kite flaps have been used to repair anterior lamellar skin defects of eyelids in 14 patients. Six patients were male and eight female, with a mean age of 43 years (range 15-64 years). The diameter of the largest defect reache d 1/3 length of the eyelid. The flaps were designed adjacent to the defects and the incision line corresponding to natural winkle lines on the eyelid. We underm ined the flap under the orbicular muscle, and advanced the flap to cover the def ect. The incisions were closed with 7-0 suture. Results After operation, all flaps survived with primary healing. Follow-up for 3 to 12 months showed that all cases had achieved satisfactory cosmetic effects without secondary deformity. Conclusions It is a simple, safe, an d reliable method to use kite flap for the repair of moderate-sized anterior la mellar eyelid skin defects that are too large to achieve primary approximation. Because kite-flap covers the defect through a direct advancement way without ro tation and twist, there are no dog-ear deformitys present at the pedical area a nd the repaired area looks smoothly. Because of its widely based muscle pedicle which incorporates venous and lymphatic drainage over most of its length, the un desirable pigment deposition is avoided.