Revascularization studies of an opposing eyelid pedicle flap.

Opposing eyelid pedicle flaps are used extensively in ophthalmic plastic surgery. Controversy exists over the timing of pedicle severance. Additionally, the functional and morphologic status of eyelid pedicle flaps at the time of severance has not been fully assessed. We attempt to investigate these questions by measuring the functional and morphologic changes that occur in an animal model of an opposing eyelid pedicle flap. These results were correlated with clinical case studies. Experimental results revealed vascularization of the animal model flap at 5 days. Clinical case studies revealed successful flap division by 3 weeks or less. We discuss factors that may delay flap revascularization.