The "reading man" flap for reconstruction of large periorbital defects.

PURPOSE: The "reading man" flap (RMF), a double advancement transposition cutaneous flap named for its appearance, has been described in the reconstruction of various circular skin defects, particularly in the malar region. We describe two cases where this flap was used to reconstruct the lower eyelid/periorbital region.

METHODS: Two oculoplastic patients with lower eyelid basal cell carcinomas underwent Mohs micrographic excision resulting in a large skin defects. In both cases, reconstruction was performed using the RMF.

RESULTS: At 6 months, both patients achieved good cosmetic results with no case of secondary eyelid malposition.

CONCLUSION: The RMF is a useful adjunct to the armamentarium of the oculoplastic surgeon for the reconstruction of large periorbital defects.