Soft tissue defects of eyelid and malar region: an experience with the McGregor flap

Abstract

Aim: Reconstruction of defects of the eyelids and malar region following trauma may result in considerable distortion of the adjacent tissue. A clinical study was undertaken to demonstrate the ability to utilize a modified McGregor flap for reliable soft tissue coverage.

Methods: Nine patients with eyelids and malar soft tissue defects were treated over a period of 12 months from July 2013 to June 2014. In this prospective study, a McGregor flap was used for the closure of defects in 9 patients (7 men and 2 women), aged 20-36 years (mean age: 27 years). Three sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy were administered postoperatively, and patients received subsequent follow-up.

Results: Six patients presented with malar and lower eyelid defects, 2 patients presented with malar defects, and one patient with upper eyelid, lower eyelid and malar defects following trauma. A McGregor flap was performed in all patients. The preexcision defects varied in size from 3 cm × 2 cm to 4 cm × 3 cm. No secondary procedures were required in any case. Sutures were removed between 7 and 9 days postoperatively. There were no cases of partial or total flap loss over the course of 10-14 months follow-up.

Conclusion: The outcome following use of the McGregor flap procedure was functionally and aesthetically satisfactory in all cases. The McGregor flap is a useful option for the reconstruction of defects following trauma to the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, and malar regions.

Keywords

Eyelid defects / hyperbaric oxygen therapy / malar defects / McGregor flap

References

[1] Mutaf M,Temel M.Closure of defects of the malar region..J Craniofac Surg2011;22:631-4

[2] Cecchi R,Troiano M.The "reading man" flap in facial reconstruction: report of 12 cases..Dermatol Online J2012;18:16

[3] Hayano SM,Korn BS.Principles of periocular reconstruction following excision of cutaneous malignancy..J Skin Cancer2012;2012:438502 PMCID:PMC3534396

[4] Saito A,Furukawa H,Oyama A,Minakawa H.Reconstruction of periorbital defects following malignant tumour excision: a report of 50 cases..J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg2012;65:665-70

[5] Yenidunya MO,Ceran C.Bilobed flap reconstruction in infraorbital skin defects..Plast Reconstr Surg2007;119:145-50

[6] Mutaf M,Temel M.A new technique for closure of infraorbital defects..Ann Plast Surg2011;67:600-5

[7] Thornton JF.Eyelid Reconstruction. Vol. 10.2005;DallasSelected Readings in Plastic Surgery, Inc.16

[8] Emsen IM.Functional lower lip reconstruction with a modification in McGregor flap technique..Plast Reconstr Surg2007;119:2335-6

[9] Bhutani S.Hyperbaric oxygen and wound healing..Indian J Plast Surg2012;45:316-24 PMCID:PMC3495382