Defects involving one-third or more of the lower eyelid require reconstruction for eyelid function.
Several cases of reconstruction of the lower eyelid have been previously reported.
Grafts obtained from the hard palate mucosa or chondromucosal grafts from the nasal septum are commonly used to line the inner layer of the lower eyelid.
We treated 6 patients who underwent lower eyelid reconstruction using an auricular cartilage graft and cheek flap.
The transferred cartilage was exposed in front of the eye-ball for several weeks； however, neither eye pain nor lacrimation developed in any patient. The exposed cartilage was covered by a mucous membrane within a month in all patients, and no eyelid or ear deformities were noted. No recurrence was observed and the quality of life was improved in all patients.
Auricular cartilage is a useful graft material because it can be easily harvested and large-sized grafts can be obtained.
We achieved rigid fixation of the lower eyelid and prevented postoperative ectropion.
Rigid fixation of an auricular cartilage graft and cheek flap is useful to maintain visual function and restore contour defects of the eyelids.
