Hard palate graft vs lower eyelid retraction. What are the most common complications can occur? (photo)

Question

I firmly determined in reconstruction with the help of hard palate graft (HPG). I found a well-trained surgeon who is very experienced in this field. After in-person consultation, he said that i have 1.5 mm retraction, no damage of anterior lamella. He proposed only HPG with inner incision, without any cantopexy or cantoplasty. What is the hard palate graft resorption? Does it happen with this kind of spacer? Longitivity of result.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Simply placing a hard palate graft to reconstruct the lower eyelid should lengthen the eyelid and impove its position on the globe.  However, It will not recruit skin and soft tissue into the eyelid.  This means that despite the surgical work, the weight of the cheek will continue to work against the position of the lower eyelid.  That is why I developed the additional step of placing a rim implant as a felting material to support the weight of the cheek.  The key is finding the right surgery so you do not have to go through this surgery more than once.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

I need to examine your eyes but I disagree with only placing an internal spacer graft because your skin also appears short and hence soof/midface lift is needed to bring up necessary skin. The type of internal spacer graft is actually less important as I have recently published on this topic. You can find manuscript here. Also see my website and click on "Eyelid Retraction" page for more details. Skype consult available.

Ivan Vrcek, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.
The use of hard palate grafts for lower eyelid retraction repair is a well-established technique. The hard palate offers a rigid support for the lower eyelid and is used to lengthen the middle and posterior lamella. The fact that it has a mucosal surface helps to keep your eye comfortable. 
In most cases, a small amount of the graft contracts, but the hard palate will not usually completely resorb--this is a long lasting intervention in most cases.
Best of luck!

Chris Thiagarajah, MD · Answer

I am always puzzled why a patient would have a consultation and then ask followup questions to random doctors on a website afterwards. Hard palate normally doesn't resorb too much because it is from the roof of your mouth. The appropriate move is to ask the surgeon who is about to cut you  and examined you. Myself or any other doctor cannot look at a two dimensional photo and confirm what you do or do not need without a physical  exam.

Hard palate graft vs lower eyelid retraction. What are the most common complications can occur? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Ask your surgeon

Answer: Ask your surgeon

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Retraction Repair

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Hard palate graft vs lower eyelid retraction. What are the most common complications can occur? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Ask your surgeon

Answer: Ask your surgeon

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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.