Autologous dermal grafts as posterior lamellar spacers in the management of lower eyelid retraction

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of autologous postauricular dermal grafts as posterior lamellar spacing material in patients with lower eyelid retraction. METHODS: At a tertiary care institution, 10 eyelids of 10 patients (7 men, 3 women; mean 56 years, range 24-78) who underwent repair of lower eyelid retraction using a postauricular dermal graft between July 2008 and December 2010 were retrospectively assessed. Data collected included patient demographics, etiology of retraction, and surgical history. Outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative eyelid position and surgery-related complications. RESULTS: Postoperative results were favorable: mean preoperative inferior scleral show was 3.3 ± 2.6 mm compared with 0.3 ± 1.2 mm postoperatively, p = 0.004 (paired t test). Mean follow up was 39.2 weeks (range 12-94). Complications included keratinization of the graft with vellus hair growth (n = 1) and ectropion (n = 1), both corrected with minor surgical interventions. One patient achieved overcorrection but declined further treatment. No donor site complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest postauricular dermal grafts are effective posterior lamellar spacers in the correction of eyelid retraction. They have adequate rigidity whilst maintaining sufficient pliability to mold to the globe. Resorption, common to acellular dermis matrix allografts and xenografts, was not encountered. Donor site complications were not encountered. Complications shared with other material include overcorrection and ectropion. Complications unique to autologous dermis include keratinization and hair growth.