ABSTRACT
Every effort is made to plan a repair which will not affect the function of this special site and also minimize the change in appearance. The lacrimal gland and the tear ducts are crucial in their function of keeping the eye moist. The eyelid skin is loosely attached to the structures underneath, and this results in very easy and often pronounced swelling and bruising. The eye may close completely after the surgery. Small lesions near the eye may be removed and stitched easily side-to-side. The closure is in a vertical direction to avoid ectropion. Larger lesions usually require a skin flap or graft to repair the defect. The same principles apply to large defects as to small ones, with the most important being avoidance of any pulling effect on the lower lid. Some really difficult lesions may require wider and deeper surgery, and in such cases skin grafts and flaps are used for repair.
