Reconstruction of the irradiated contracted socket with an expanded superficial temporalis fascial flap

PURPOSE: To describe the reconstruction of an irradiated contracted socket with an expanded superficial temporalis fascial flap and oral mucosa. METHODS: A superficial temporalis fascial flap was first expanded with tissue expansion techniques and then rotated into the orbit to revascularize the socket. The mucosal surface of the socket was secondarily grafted with buccal and hard palate mucosa. RESULTS: The expanded superficial temporalis fascial flap was used to revascularize the socket for grafting with hard palate and buccal mucosa. This resulted in the successful retention of an ocular prosthesis. CONCLUSION: The expanded superficial temporalis fascial flap is a useful technique in reconstruction of the contracted socket.