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Original Article Plastic and Aesthetic Research

Soft tissue defects of eyelid and malar

region: an experience with the McGregor

flap

Pradeoth Korambayil Mukundan , Prashanth Varkey Ambookan , Vinoth Kumar Dilliraj 2
1
1
1 Jubilee Institute for Surgery of Hand, Aesthetic and Microsurgery, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute,
Thrissur 680005, Kerala, India.
2 Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Vijaya Hospital, Vadapalani, Chennai 600026, Tamil Nadu, India.
Address for correspondence: Dr. Pradeoth Korambayil Mukundan, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute,
Bishop Alapatt Road, Thrissur 680005, Kerala, India. E-mail: pradeoth@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Aim: Reconstruction of defects of the eyelids and malar region following trauma may result in
considerable distortion of the adjacent tissue. A clinical study was undertaken to demonstrate the
ability to utilize a modified McGregor flap for reliable soft tissue coverage. Methods: Nine patients
with eyelids and malar soft tissue defects were treated over a period of 12 months from July 2013 to
June 2014. In this prospective study, a McGregor flap was used for the closure of defects in 9 patients
(7 men and 2 women), aged 20-36 years (mean age: 27 years). Three sessions of hyperbaric oxygen
therapy were administered postoperatively, and patients received subsequent follow-up. Results: Six
patients presented with malar and lower eyelid defects, 2 patients presented with malar defects, and
one patient with upper eyelid, lower eyelid and malar defects following trauma. A McGregor flap
was performed in all patients. The preexcision defects varied in size from 3 cm × 2 cm to 4 cm × 3 cm.
No secondary procedures were required in any case. Sutures were removed between 7 and 9 days
postoperatively. There were no cases of partial or total flap loss over the course of 10-14 months
follow-up. Conclusion: The outcome following use of the McGregor flap procedure was functionally
and aesthetically satisfactory in all cases. The McGregor flap is a useful option for the reconstruction of
defects following trauma to the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, and malar regions.
Key words:
Eyelid defects, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, malar defects, McGregor flap

INTRODUCTION population, the potential for scar formation is profound in
Asian patients secondary to their skin pigmentation. The
Traumatic injuries of the malar region and lateral aspect of McGregor flap provides satisfactory results when utilized
the upper and lower eyelids are common following a fall for the reconstruction of such injuries.
or abrasion. There is a need for a method of soft tissue
coverage that can simultaneously address all three defects METHODS
while preventing both a functional deficit and distortion
of the adjacent tissue. When compared to the western The study was conducted at the Jubilee Institute for
Surgery of Hand, Aesthetics and Microsurgery, Jubilee
Mission Hospital, Thrissur, India. The patients were
Access this article online enrolled in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Quick Response Code: Department of Jubilee Mission Hospital. Nine patients with
Website: eyelids and malar soft tissue defects were treated with the
www.parjournal.net
McGregor flap during a period of 12 months from July
2013 to June 2014, followed by 3 sessions of hyperbaric
DOI: oxygen therapy. The postoperative course and subsequent
10.4103/2347-9264.153202 follow‑up were noted. All involved patients agreed to have
their facial pictures published and signed the consent form.

Plast Aesthet Res || Vol 2 || Issue 2 || Mar 13, 2015 69