Total lower eyelid reconstruction with free posterior auricular chondrocutaneous flap

Lower eyelid is characterised by a thin musculocutaneous anterior lamella and a posterior lamella composed of tarsus and conjunctiva. Several techniques have been reported for total lower eyelid reconstruction suitable especially for the elderly patients with skin laxity. We report a total lower eyelid reconstruction with a free posterior auricular chondrocutaneous flap with a good functional and aesthetic outcome in a young patient. This technique can be taken into consideration for complex soft-tissue defects of the eyelids. (C) 2009 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.