Lower Eyelid Reconstruction Using Pedicled Skin Flap and Palatal Mucoperiosteum

BACKGROUND Full‐thickness lower eyelid reconstruction requires functional as well as aesthetic considerations to be successful in the long term. The three elements necessary for a stable result are skin, mucosa, and a semirigid “skeleton” to provide the support that prevents the development of ectropion. A number of techniques combining these elements are described in the literature, with reconstruction in one or more stages. OBJECTIVE We report a simple method of reconstruction of a full‐thickness lower eyelid defect, in which palatal mucoperiosteum provided both the mucosal and the “skeletal” components following tumor excision. METHODS Literature review and report of illustrated case. RESULTS A cosmetically acceptable result with no functional deficit or donor site morbidity. CONCLUSION Palatal mucoperiosteum provides an abundant supply of tissue that may be used successfully in the reconstruction of the lower eyelid. It functions both as a mucosal lining in addition to a semirigid supporting framework.