M-Y Plasty: a Simple Technique for the Reconstruction of Small Periorbital Defects

Abstract

The goal of this case series analysis is to demonstrate that peri-orbital small to medium-sized skin defects can be treated by a direct closure associated with a M-Y plasty. By crossing the orbital eyelid, this technique allows to avoid large undermining and longer scars that are usually associated with the use of local flaps in this region. Twenty patients were operated on between May 2018 and November 2019, for the removal of periorbital skin tumors. Eleven were at high risk of developing delayed healing, post-operative hematoma, or showed a very thin skin, poorly prone to tolerate a large undermining. Defect size was between 1.5 to 13 cm2. All the defects underwent a direct closure with a M-Y plasty. Eighteen patients healed without any complication. Two had a delayed healing at the Y junction. No hematoma, abscess, cutaneous necrosis, or unaesthetic deformity were recorded. The majority of our patients had significant comorbidities, so that a flap reconstruction was considered too aggressive. We here demonstrate that through a direct closure associated with a plasty, they could all benefit from a oncological excision, with a safe reconstruction and very few complications.