Reconstruction following subtotal full-thickness upper eyelid resection with preservation of the lid margin.

Purpose: To describe a modification of a technique for upper eyelid reconstruction previously described by Patrinely et al.

Methods: Radical excision of a large adenoid cystic carcinoma of the upper eyelid resulted in a subtotal full-thickness eyelid defect with preservation of 2 mm of eyelid margin. Reconstruction was performed with a free transconjunctival graft of maximum size from the contralateral upper eyelid, an overlying bipedicled skin-orbicularis oculi muscle flap and a free skin graft.

Results: With this one-step technique, a good cosmetic and functional result could be obtained.

Conclusion: If the eyelid margin can be spared, reconstruction of even very large upper eyelid defects with a modification of the technique reported by Patrinely et al. may yield a good result.