The use of AlloDerm in the reconstruction of full-thickness eyelid defects

Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate the potential for the use of AlloDerm as a posterior lamellar graft in the reconstruction of full-thickness lid defects.

Method: In our case series, we evaluated the surgical outcome of three consecutive patients, two with an upper eyelid defect and one with a lower eyelid defect who underwent lid reconstruction using AlloDerm grafts.

Results: AlloDerm was readily taken up into the wound defect, with complete coverage of its bulbar surface by conjunctiva. In all the cases, the cornea was not affected by its contact to the AlloDerm. A mucocutaneous junction formed over the margin of the AlloDerm graft with good cosmesis.

Conclusion: AlloDerm has the potential to act as an effective posterior lamellar substitute in situations where there is an adequate amount of skin muscle cover available to drape over it. It is rigid enough to replace tarsus and its structure behaves as a scaffold allowing conjunctiva to readily grow over it.