Lower eyelid retraction procedure using the skin graft from the back skin of the ears. Worth it?

Question

About lower eyelid retraction surgery , when using the full skin graft from the back of the ear, how much the recovery time after the procedure? And is the skin will be same colour after healing? Are there any obvious scars?

Joseph Walrath, MD · Answer

Hi there,
Skin grafting is a technique that I usually associate with ectropion repair, not retraction repair, per se.  However, I am sure that is just a question of semantics.  
Skin grafts can be tricky.  The best option is to use upper lid skin for lower lid grafting, if there is enough extra upper lid skin to use.  Grafts from behind the ear or from above the clavicle can do quite well, but in my experience, they are less predictable in terms of final appearance.  Keep in mind that, in general, skin grafting is not a "cosmetic" procedure.  It is reconstructive.  There will be scars.
Additionally, skin grafting can require some maintenance afterwards, perhaps with periodic injections during the postoperative period.  
Best of luck,
JDW

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Skin grafts generally heal well on the eyelids. You may or may not need skin graft. Often, lower eyelid retraction can be corrected using internal eyelid approach without skin graft. See following link. Skype consult available.

Malena Amato, MD, FACS · Answer

Typiaclly, skin graft can be an option if too much skin was removed from a lower lid in previous surgery, from trauma or scarring, or after tumor removal. The ideal skin graft for your lower eyelids is your upper eyelid skin, but in front of or behind the ears have also been used. There are other options for repair of eyelid retraction including injections, midface lifting and other grafts that are inserted within or behind the eyelid. Make sure you are evaluated by an eyelid specialist or oculoplastic surgeon who is experienced in this type of problem and that your are offered the appropriate treatment.

Lower eyelid retraction procedure using the skin graft from the back skin of the ears. Worth it?

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Lower eyelid retraction procedure using the skin graft from the back skin of the ears. Worth it?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Retraction Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.