A minor modification of the Hughes' operation for lower eyelid reconstruction.

PURPOSE/METHODS: We modified the Hughes' technique to decrease the frequency of persistent conjunctival hyperemia on the reconstructed lower eyelid margin.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION: When the conjunctival flap is divided at the second stage of the operation, the tissue is trimmed flush with the reconstructed lower eyelid margin rather than advancing the flap over the eyelid margin. This minor modification has yielded satisfactory functional and aesthetic results in 70 patients.