Total lower-eyelid reconstruction: Modified Fricke's cheek flap

The present work reviews a total lower-eyelid reconstruction technique that is currently not widely in use but which, in some cases, has proven to be of great utility in the field of reconstructive plastic surgery of the palpebral area. We performed an observational, longitudinal, descriptive and retrospective follow-up study. A total of 34 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in which the lower eyelid was completely reconstructed using one flap taken from the cheek (modified Fricke's cheek flap) were reviewed. The follow-up time for the patients ranged from several months to 5 years. Analysis was performed using the Pearson's chi-square statistical test in an effort to examine the association between the technique's range of functionality and aesthetic variables. Results were considered significant with a p < 0.05. The functional result was regular for 91.2%, poor for 8.8% and excellent for 0% (p < 0.05). The aesthetic result was regular for 88.2%, poor for 11.8% and excellent for 0% (p < 0.05). The main complications were scleral exposure and temporary ocular chemosis. Fricke's lower cheek flap is an easy-to-perform, important and often-necessary technique that, in some cases, has yielded positive functional and aesthetic results. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and is optimal for aged patients who present with skin cancer and who require total lower-eyelid reconstruction. The use of this technique is associated with a low complication rate and low morbidity. (c) 2011 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.