Repair of inner canthus surgical wound using superior palpebral artery based advancement flap

Background: Small defects of the inner canthus can be difficult to repair with an aesthetically satisfactory result, due to the difficulty in matching skin types and the resulting donor site scars.
Methods: We describe a technique which we have employed for repairing skin defects around the inner canthus, using a cutaneous advancement flap from the upper eyelid, based on the superior palpebral artery.
Results: Complete excision of the lesion was possible, and a cosmetically acceptable result was obtained.
Conclusions: By using this technique, skin is moved within one aesthetic unit, thus maximising skin type matching and cosmetic results. In addition, the technique creates a donor site wich can be easily hidden within the natural creases of the upper lid, and the arterial supply maximises the chances of flap survival.