• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.40-45
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• 2015

Background The eyelid and canthal areas are common locations for cutaneous tumors. The medial canthus includes, among many other apparatuses, the canthal tendon and lacrimal canaliculi, and its characteristic thin and supple skin is hard to mimic and restore using tissue from other regions. Accordingly, reconstruction of the canthal area can prove challenging for surgeons. Although various methods, such as skin grafts and local flaps from adjacent regions, have been utilized for reconstructive purposes, they present known disadvantages. However, we were able to successfully reconstruct both lateral and medial canthal area defects by using orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flaps. Methods Our study included seven patients who underwent medial or lateral canthal region reconstruction, using orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flaps, between 2011 and 2014, following either cutaneous tumor excision or traumatic avulsion injury. Results Five patients had basal cell carcinoma, one had squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid, and one had sustained a traumatic avulsion injury of the eyelid and canthal area. Entire flap loss was not observed in any patient, but one-a heavy smoker-showed partial flap loss, which healed with secondary intention and yielded acceptable results. Donor site morbidity was not observed, and all patients were satisfied with their surgical outcomes. Conclusions The canthal regions can be successfully reconstructed with orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flaps. These flaps offer several key advantages, including similarity in texture, color, and thickness to the recipient site and a negligible incidence of donor site morbidity.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.133-140
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• 2024

Background: The medial canthal region features a complex three-dimensional and internal anatomical structure. When reconstructing a defect in this area, it is crucial to consider both functional and aesthetic aspects, which presents significant challenges. Generally, local flaps are preferred for reconstruction; however, skin grafts can be used when local flaps are not feasible. Therefore, we conducted a comparative analysis of surgical outcomes skin grafts when local flaps were not feasible, to determine which surgical method is more effective for medial canthal region reconstruction. Methods: Twenty-five patients who underwent medial canthal region reconstruction using skin grafts or local flaps from 2002 to 2021 were enrolled. Patient information was obtained from medical records. Five plastic surgeons evaluated the surgical outcomes based on general appearance, color, contour, and symmetry. Results: Skin grafts were used in eight patients and local flaps were used in 13. Combined reconstructions were employed in four cases. Minor complications arose in four cases but improved with conservative treatment. No major complications were reported. Recurrence of the skin cancer was noted in two cases. All categories showed higher scores for the local flap compared to both skin graft and combined reconstruction; however, the differences were not statistically significant respectively. Conclusion: The choice of appropriate surgical methods for reconstructing defects in the medial canthal region depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, the size and depth of the defect, and the degree of involvement of surrounding structures. When a local flap is not feasible, a skin graft may provide favorable surgical outcomes. Therefore, a skin graft can serve as a viable alternative for reconstructing the medial canthal region.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.379-384
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• 2020

Objectives: We sought to identify a clinically useful method of analyzing orbital dystopia to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning and to quantify vertical discrepancies in eye level and variations in canthal tilt in Koreans. Patients and Methods: In 76 Korean patients with a mean age of 23.12 years, mean differences in the level of the pupils, lateral canthi, medial canthi, and canthal tilt were measured. The difference in pupil level was calculated from the perpendicular lines drawn from the midpupil area of each eye to the midline of the face to determine the amount of skeletal discrepancy of the eye. Soft tissue discrepancies were determined according to the vertical difference between the lines drawn from the lateral or medial canthus of each eye perpendicular to the midline of the face. The canthal tilt was determined from the inclination of a line connecting the lateral and medial canthi, then classified as class I, II, or III. Results: Mean differences in pupil level, medial canthi, and lateral canthi were 1.57±1.10 mm, 1.14±1.07 mm, and 2.03±1.64 mm, respectively. The mean degree of canthal tilt were 8.45°±3.53° for the right side and 8.42°±3.81° for the left side. No study participants presented with class III canthal tilt. The mean canthal tilt values for those with class I tilt were 3.21°±1.68° for the right side and 3.18°±1.63° for the left side, while, for those who had class II tilt, the values were 9.60°±3.66° for the right side and 9.54°±2.99° for the left side. Conclusion: The presented diagnostic method of orbital dystopia can be used to effectively establish a treatment plan that takes into consideration the patient's skeletal and soft-tissue discrepancies.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.742-747
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• 2013

Background The medial canthus is an important area in determining the impression of a person's facial appearance. It is composed of various structures, including canthal tendons, lacrimal canaliculi, conjunctiva, the tarsal plate, and skin tissues. Due to its complexity, medial canthal defect reconstruction has been a challenging procedure to perform. The contralateral paramedian forehead flap is usually used for large defects; however, the bulkiness of the glabella and splitting at the distal end of the flap are factors that can reduce the rate of flap survival. We reconstructed medial canthal defects using ipsilateral paramedian forehead flaps, minimizing glabellar bulkiness. Methods This study included 10 patients who underwent medial canthal reconstruction using ipsilateral paramedian forehead flaps between 2010 and 2012. To avoid an acute curve of the pedicle, which can cause venous congestion, we attempted to make the arc of the pedicle rounder. Additionally, the pedicle was skeletonized from the nasal root to the glabella to reduce the bulkiness. Results All patients had basal cell carcinoma, and 3 of them had recurrent basal cell carcinoma. All of the flaps were successful without total or partial flap loss. Two patients developed venous congestion of the flap, which was healed using medicinal leeches. Four patients developed epiphora, and 2 patients developed telecanthus. Conclusions Large defects of the medial canthus can be successfully reconstructed using ipsilateral paramedian forehead flaps. In addition, any accompanying venous congestion can be healed using medicinal leeches.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.200-204
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• 2009

Purpose: The epicanthal fold is a unique finding in the medial canthal area of many Asians. Various methods have been developed to eliminate this fold. However, excessive and prominent scarring in the medial canthal and nasal area and recurrence restricted application of epicanthoplasty. The authors performed a epicanthoplasty using Y-V advancement flap method in order to obliterate the epicanthal fold without making incisions in the nasal area and as a result, to avoid postoperative scarring. Methods: Sixty one patients underwent epicanthal fold correction using Y-V advancement flap method from July 1999 to February 2005. There were 4 males and 57 females with ages ranging from 9 to 60 years. The epicanthoplasty was performed combined with double eyelid operation, ptosis correction, augmentation rhinoplasty, nasal alar reduction, and nasal tip-plasty. Results: There were few complications in our studies, and most of the patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusion: Remarkable advantages of our Y-V advancement flap epicanthoplasty are as follows: 1) minimal postoperative scarring in the medial canthal area, 2) application of modified double eyelid operation, 3) wider opening of the medial palpebral fissure, 4 the correction of entropion or epiblepharon, 5) no recurrence.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.392-394
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• 2007

Purpose: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor(IMT) is characterized by clonal proliferation of myofibroblastic spindle cells and accompanied by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. IMT is an uncommon lesion reported to arise in various organs, and is believed to be a reactive inflammatory condition. IMT forms a spectrum of lesions ranging from benign, infection-related lesions to low-grade malignancies, capable of local recurrences and rarely distant metastasis. IMT occurs mostly in the lung, but rarely in the craniofacial region. Methods: A 28-year-old male with painless swelling in the medial canthal area was referred to our department for the last 2 months. A 2cm sized mass was palpated. He was treated with complete local excision. Results: In the study by computerized tomography, a $2.0{\times}0.8{\times}1.0cm$ mass was found in the subcutaneous tissue layer. Grossly, the mass was well-circumscribed, smooth-surfaced, flesh colored, and hard. The tumor was well demarcated from the other tissues. Histopathologic examinations showed bland spindle-shaped cells loosely arranged with scattered lymphoid cells. Immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated a positive reactivity for alpha-SMA and a negative reactivity for desmin and CD34. No recurrence was noted 12 months after surgery. Conclusion: Emphasis is given to complete resection of the tumor for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Further evaluation to find other lesions in different sites should be considered. Continued follow-up is recommended.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.190-197
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• 2016

Background: The cheek rotation flap has sufficient blood flow and large flap size and it is also flexible and easy to manipulate. It has been used for reconstruction of defects on cheek, lower eyelid, or medial and lateral canthus. For the large defects on central nose, paramedian forehead flap has been used, but patients were reluctant despite the remaining same skin tone on damaged area because of remaining scars on forehead. However, the cheek flap is cosmetically superior as it uses the adjacent large flap. Thus, the study aims to demonstrate its versatility with clinical practices. Methods: This is retrospective case study on 38 patients who removed facial masses and reconstructed by the cheek rotation flap from 2008 to 2015. It consists of defects on cheek (16), lower eyelid (12), nose (3), medial canthus (3), lateral canthus (2), and preauricle (2). Buccal mucosa was used for the reconstruction of eyelid conjunctiva, and skin graft was processed for nasal mucosa reconstruction. Results: The average defect size was $6.4cm^2$, and the average flap size was $47.3cm^2$. Every flap recovered without complications such as abnormal slant, entropion or ectropion in lower eyelid, but revision surgery required in three cases of nasal side wall reconstruction due to the occurrence of dog ear on nasolabial sulcus. Conclusion: The cheek rotation flap can be applicable instead of paramedian forehead flap for the large nasal sidewall defect reconstruction as well as former medial and lateral canthal defect reconstruction.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2020

Background: Extensive eyelid defects are extremely challenging to reconstruct. Although numerous procedures for reconstructing periorbital defects have been proposed, no method is universally used. However, the Tenzel flap is the most commonly used technique to reconstruct eyelid defects affecting one-third to two-thirds of the eyelid. Methods: Recognizing the usefulness of the Tenzel method, we adapted it to reconstruct larger defects around the eyes. Seven patients underwent reconstruction with a modified Tenzel flap with an extended concept after wide excision of a malignant skin lesion. The main difference from the conventional method is that the modified Tenzel flap includes the medial portion of the lower lid defect. The design of a modified Tenzel flap begins as a semicircle at the lateral canthal area, in the same way as a classical Tenzel flap, and extends medially along the subciliary line to cover the defect on the medial lower eyelid. The follow-up time ranged from 3 to 28 months. Results: All flaps survived and healed well, with minimal scarring and natural palpebral outlines. Conclusion: Compared to traditional procedures, the modified Tenzel flap has several advantages, including a one-stage operation, a less noticeable scar, and effective prevention of complications such as lower eyelid ectropion.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 1991

Epicanthoplasty was performed in 98 patients with the epicanthal fold. Epicanthal fold was classified into three categories-minimal degree, moderate degree, severe degree-according to its severity. In accurate anatomic dissection in medial canthal area, the pathologic mechanism of the formation of the epicanthal fold, I think, are not only the redundancy of skin, but also the early downward insertion of the preseptal and pretarsal portion of orbicularis oculi muscle. A new surgical technique is described for the correction of the epicanthal fold. The procedure is simple to perform and uniformly gives good results.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.60-63
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• 2001

The reconstruction of the suborbital area followed by resection of skin cancer has been used many methods including skin graft, local flaps, free flaps, and skin expansion. The radial forearm free flap has become a workhorse flap in this area because of its lack of bulk, ease of dissection, malleability, and hairlessness. When the suborbital defect especially including full-thickness defect of lower lid was reconstructed with many free flaps, the ectropion and the deformity of medial and lateral canthal area were common problems encountered as late complication due to gravitational descent. To improve the final aesthetic result in patients with suborbital defect, the radial forearm free flap was elevated as a composite radial forearm - palmaris longus free flap, in which the vascularized palmaris longus london was included and anchored to the periorbital bone with $mitek^{(R)}$ as sling, to suspend the flap against gravity and inferior descent, and thereby creating a more natural cheek contour. Two clinical cases were presented as an example of this procedure. Postoperative results emphasize the importance of suspension sling with palmaris longus tendon using $mitek^{(R)}$ in reconstruction of the suborbital defect with radial forearm free flap.