Combined viable composite graft and temporal semicircular skin flap procedure.

The tarsal-conjunctival-margin portion of a composite graft can be covered with a temporal semicircular flap to ensure its survival. The procedure provides a method of reconstructing full-thickness upper or lower eyelid defects in which there is loss of approximately 33% to 66% of the eyelid. The technique is especially valuable in reconstructing the temporal half of the eyelids, for which major reconstructive procedures are usually required. The procedure has been successful in 21 cases.