Tarsal rotational flap for upper eyelid reconstruction.

Reconstruction of full-thickness defects in the upper eyelid presents a special challenge to the oculoplastic surgeon. We present and discuss a new, surgically simple technique for posterior lamella reconstruction of the upper eyelid, which can also be used with other procedures. The surgical technique calls for a vertical strip of tarsus (tarsal flap) to be rotated horizontally and sutured to canthal tendon remnants or periosteum at the orbital rim. This procedure has produced satisfactory to excellent results in our test group, and presents the reconstructive surgeon with several advantages over other techniques.