Nasal Lining Reconstruction with Prelaminated Forehead Flap.

A successful nasal reconstruction relies heavily on a stable internal lining. Larger defects pose unique challenges for internal lining reconstruction as obtaining tissue of adequate size while maintaining airway patency is difficult. The prelamination technique uses a staged skin graft to the paramedian forehead flap prior to transfer. As such, a composite flap can be later transferred to reconstruct internal and external nasal defects concomitantly. This article reviews the current background, techniques, and clinical considerations in the use of the prelaminated forehead flap for nasal lining reconstruction in partial to total nasal defects.

Clinical features, evaluation, and management of ophthalmic complications of facial paralysis: A review.

The purpose of this review was to study the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of ophthalmic complications associated with facial nerve palsy and to discuss the current and future interventions. The ophthalmic complications of facial paralysis include lagophthalmos, ectropion, exposure keratopathy, ocular synkinesis, and crocodile tears. Evaluation by an ophthalmologist skilled in recognizing and managing complications of facial paralysis shortly after its initial diagnosis can help identify and prevent long-term complications. Several types of grading scales are used to evaluate, measure the severity, and track surgical and patient-reported treatment outcomes. Lagophthalmos or ectropion are managed using temporary measures aimed at lubricating and covering the eye, including scleral lenses; however, these measures can be expensive and challenging to acquire and maintain. Temporary surgical interventions include lateral tarsorrhaphy, weighted eyelid implants, lateral canthoplasty, and other procedures that tighten or lift the eyelid or surrounding tissues. Management of flaccid facial paralysis due to iatrogenic injury or neoplasm requires neurorrhaphy or graft repair. The most common techniques for dynamic reconstruction in chronic facial paralysis are regional and free muscle flap transfer. Future directions for the management of ophthalmic complications aim to induce blinking and eye closure by developing systems that can detect blinking in the normal eye and transmit the signal to the paralyzed eye using mechanisms that would stimulate the muscles to induce eyelid closure. Blink detection technology has been developed, and a study demonstrated that blinking can be stimulated using electrodes on the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve. Further studies are needed to develop a system that will automate blinking and synchronize it with that of the normal eye.

Clinical application of physical therapy in facial paralysis treatment: A review.

This review aims to summarize recent studies regarding the specific modalities of physical therapy as a form of treatment for patients with facial paralysis, analyze the different components of physical therapy, and provide healthcare providers with guidance for their best practice in treating patients with facial paralysis. This paper will discuss the mechanism, indications, and impact factors for facial retraining, evaluate the standards for facial retraining, the creation of a treatment plan, and analyze the combined use of facial retraining with botulinum toxin injections and the application of facial retraining in post facial reanimation patients. Other modes of physical therapy, including electrical stimulation, dry needling, and acupuncture, will be addressed. Lastly, the application of new digital technology will be discussed.

Variations in Payer-Negotiated Prices for Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about pricing for reconstructive procedures of the head and neck. As of January 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires hospitals to disclose payer-negotiated prices for services, offering new insight into prices for privately insured patients. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: Turquoise database. METHODS: Payer-negotiated facility fees for 41 reconstructive surgeries were grouped by procedure type: primary closure, skin grafts, tissue rearrangement, locoregional flaps, or free flaps. Prices were normalized to account for local labor costs, then calculated as percent markup in excess of Medicare reimbursement. The mean percent markup between procedure groups was compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Subset analyses were performed to compare mean percent markup using a Student's t test. We also assessed price variation by calculating the ratio of 90th/10th percentile mean prices both across and within hospitals. RESULTS: In total, 1324 hospitals (85% urban, 81% nonprofit, 49% teaching) were included. Median payer-negotiated fees showed an increasing trend with more complex procedures, ranging from $379.54 (interquartile range [IQR], $230.87-$656.96) for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 12001 ("simple repair of superficial wounds ≤2.5 cm") to $5422.60 ($3983.55-$8169.41) for CPT code 20969 ("free osteocutaneous flap with microvascular anastomosis"). Median percent markup was highest for primary closure procedures (576.17% [IQR, 326.28%-1089.34%]) and lowest for free flaps (99.56% [37.86%-194.02%]). Higher mean percent markups were observed for rural, for-profit, non-Northeast, nonteaching, and smaller hospitals. CONCLUSION: Wide variation in private payer-negotiated facility fees exists for head/neck reconstruction surgeries. Further research is necessary to better understand how pricing variation may correlate with out-of-pocket costs and quality of care.

The psychological and psychosocial effects of facial paralysis: A review.

Facial nerve function is essential for a multitude of processes in the face, including facial movement; expression; and functions, such as eating, smiling, and blinking. When facial nerve function is disrupted, facial paralysis may occur and various complications for the patient may result. Much research has been conducted on the physical diagnosis, management, and treatment of facial paralysis. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the psychological and social effects of the condition. Patients may be at an increased risk for anxiety and depression, as well as negative self and social perceptions. This review analyzes the current literature on the various adverse psychological and psychosocial effects of facial paralysis, factors that may play a role, and treatment options that may help improve patients' quality of life.

Intellectual Property in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: The Importance and Process of Obtaining Intellectual Property Rights.

Understanding the purpose and process of obtaining intellectual property rights (IPR) is fundamental to health care innovation. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons are natural innovators; however, knowledge deficit in this space may hinder the ability to move ideas from the "bench to bedside." Here we provide an overview of IPR, outlining the steps necessary to obtain intellectual property protection in an academic setting while highlighting recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals pertaining to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Patient Perception of Education, Care Coordination, and Psychological Distress After Developing Facial Paralysis: A Qualitative Study.

Importance: The management of vestibular schwannoma may include observation, microsurgical resection, or radiation of a tumor near the facial nerve. Injury to the facial nerve can result in facial paralysis with major functional, social, and psychological sequelae, and the experiences of patients after paralysis are not well studied. Objective: To (1) identify patient preparedness for developing facial paralysis and how well their care is coordinated following its development and (2) present in their own words outcomes of facial paralysis in terms of physical health, emotional health, self-perception, and social interactions. Design, Setting, and Participants: A qualitative observational study was performed using semistructured interviews at a tertiary care academic medical center. Semistructured interviews were conducted between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, with adults aged 25 to 70 years who developed facial paralysis after treatment for vestibular schwannoma. Data were analyzed from July 2019 to June 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures: Perceptions of the educational and emotional experiences of individuals who developed complete facial paralysis after surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma. Results: Overall, 12 participants were interviewed (median age, 54 years [range, 25-70 years]; 11 were female). Saturation was achieved after 12 interviews, indicating that no further information could be elicited from additional interviews. Four major themes were identified: (1) lack of sufficient patient education about the diagnosis of facial paralysis; (2) lack of appropriate care coordination related to facial paralysis; (3) changes in physical and emotional health following facial paralysis; and (4) changes in social interactions and external support following facial paralysis. Conclusions and Relevance: It is well-known that patients with facial paralysis have reduced quality of life, severe psychological and emotional sequelae. However, little is currently done to help prepare patients for this undesirable outcome. In this qualitative study of facial paralysis, patients express, in their own words, their feeling that the education and management of facial paralysis by their clinicians was inadequate. Before patients undergo surgery, and certainly after injury to the facial nerve, clinicians should consider the patient's goals, preferences, and values to ensure that a comprehensive educational program and psychosocial support system are implemented. Facial reanimation research has not adequately captured these key patient factors associated with the quality of communication.

Management, Referral Patterns, and Outcomes in Bell's Palsy: A Single-Institution 903 Patient Series.

OBJECTIVE: In 2013, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) published guidelines for Bell's palsy (BP), including recommendations for workup, management, and specialist referral. Patients with BP often present to primary care; however, adherence to guidelines may vary by setting. This study sought to evaluate the management of patients with BP presenting to primary care, emergency department (ED), and urgent care settings. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients identified by diagnosis code for BP. RESULTS: A total of 903 patients were included; 687 (76.1%) presented to ED, 87 (9.6%) to internal medicine, 77 (8.5%) to family medicine, and 52 (5.8%) to urgent care. On presentation, 804 (89.0%) patients were prescribed corticosteroids and 592 (65.6%) antiviral therapy. Steroid therapy ranged from 1 dose to greater than a 14-day course, with 177 (19.6%) receiving an adequate duration of 10 days or greater. Referrals were provided to facial plastics and/or otolaryngology for 51 patients (5.6%). For all comers, 283 (31.3%) had complete resolution, 197 (21.8%) had an incomplete resolution, 62 (6.9%) had persistent palsy, and 361 (40.0%) lost to follow-up. In assessing the association between clinic setting and management, appropriate corticosteroid therapy (p < .01), imaging (p < .01), and eye care (p < .01) were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Adherence to guidelines for BP management varies amongst providers. In our study cohort, 15.5% of patients received medical therapy in accordance with AAO-HNS guidelines, and only 5.6% were referred to facial plastics. To facilitate more appropriate care, tertiary care institutions may benefit from system-wide care pathways to manage acute BP.

Tri-Vector Gracilis Microneurovascular Free Tissue Transfer with Periocular Component to Achieve a Duchenne Smile in Patients with Facial Paralysis.

Importance: Traditional techniques of facial reanimation using gracilis free tissue transfer do not address the lower eyelid or provide contraction at the site of orbicularis oculi, which is necessary to create a natural appearing Duchenne smile. In this report, we describe a novel technique to achieve this element of a true mimetic smile using a tri-vector gracilis muscle flap. Objective: To describe a novel gracilis free flap technique for facial reanimation to provide contraction of the inferior and lateral orbicularis oculi and achieve a Duchenne smile. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a surgical pearls-description of a novel surgical technique at Academic Tertiary Medical Center. Three patients underwent the operation.

Visual Attention to Facial Defects Predicts Willingness to Pay for Reconstructive Surgery.

Background: The relationship between the value of reconstructive surgery and the visual attention drawn by facial deformity has not been studied. Objectives: We hypothesized that willingness to pay (WTP) for reconstructive surgery would increase as visual attention to deformity increased in a Mohs defect eye-tracking model. Methods: We conducted a randomized observational study. Eighty casual observers participated in timed eye-tracking trials utilizing preoperative and postoperative photographs from 32 patients with facial Mohs defects. Fixation on each defect was quantified in milliseconds. For each photograph, casual observers reported how much they would be willing to pay for a perfect reconstruction and rated defect severity and patient attractiveness. The associations between defect fixation time and WTP, attractiveness, and severity were modeled using a multivariate mixed-effects model. Results: Increased defect fixation time was associated with increased WTP (regression coefficient = 0.332651, p < 0.001), decreased attractiveness (regression coefficient = -0.221779, p < 0.001), and increased severity (regression coefficient = 0.363111, p < 0.001). As defect fixation time increased, WTP increased exponentially. Conclusions: Observer WTP for facial reconstruction increases exponentially as defects become more distracting. These findings justify the dedication of health care resources to reconstructive procedures that decrease attentional distraction to the greatest extent possible.

Do Attending and Trainee Surgeons Agree on What Happens in the Operating Room During Septoplasty?

Background: Surgeons must select cases whose complexity aligns with their skill set. Objectives: To determine how accurately trainees report involvement in procedures, judge case complexity, and assess their own skills. Methods: We recruited attendings and trainees from two otolaryngology departments. After performing septoplasty, they completed identical surveys regarding case complexity, achievement of goals, who performed which steps, and trainee skill using the septoplasty global assessment tool (SGAT) and visual analog scale (VAS). Agreement regarding which steps were performed by the trainee was assessed with Cohen's kappa coefficients (κ). Correlations between trainee and attending responses were measured with Spearman's correlation coefficients (rho). Results: Seven attendings and 42 trainees completed 181 paired surveys. Trainees and attendings sometimes disagreed about which steps were performed by trainees (range of κ = 0.743-0.846). Correlation between attending and trainee responses was low for VAS skill ratings (range of rho = 0.12-0.34), SGAT questions (range of rho = 0.03-0.53), and evaluation of case complexity (range of rho = 0.24-0.48). Conclusion: Trainees sometimes disagree with attendings about which septoplasty steps they perform and are limited in their ability to judge complexity, goals, and their skill.

Predictors of Free Flap Volume Loss in Nonosseous Reconstruction of Head and Neck Oncologic Defects.

OBJECTIVES: Free tissue reconstruction of the head and neck must be initially overcorrected due to expected postoperative free flap volume loss, which can be accelerated by adjuvant radiation therapy. In this study, we aim to identify patient and treatment-specific factors that may significantly contribute to this phenomenon and translate these characteristics into a predictive model for expected percent free flap volume loss in a given patient. METHODS: Patients with a history of oral cavity and/or oropharyngeal cancer who underwent nonosseous free flap reconstruction were reviewed between January 2009 and November 2018 at a tertiary care center. Demographics/characteristics, total radiation dose, radiation fractionation (RF), and pre/postradiation free flap volume as evaluated by computed tomography imaging were collected. Free flap volume was measured by a fellowship-trained neuroradiologist in all cases. Only patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy with available pre/postradiation imaging were included. Multivariable linear regression modeling for prediction of free flap volume loss was performed with optimization via stepwise elimination. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included for analysis. Mean flap volume loss was 42.7% ± 17.4%. The model predicted flap volume loss in a significant fashion (P = .004, R2 = 0.49) with a mean magnitude of error of 9.8% ± 7.5%. Age (ß = 0.01, P = .003) and RF (ß = -0.01, P = .009) were individual predictors of flap volume loss. CONCLUSIONS: Our model predicts percent free flap volume loss in a significant fashion. Age and RF are individual predictors of free flap volume loss, the latter being a novel finding that is also modifiable through hyperfractionation radiotherapy schedules.

Association between hypertension requiring medication and 30-day outcomes in head and neck microvascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension has been shown to be both a protective factor and a risk factor for complications in head and neck reconstructive surgery. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of microvascular free tissue transfer patients using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. RESULTS: Hypertensive patients (n = 1598; 46.9%) had a significantly higher rate of complications, including pneumonia (p < 0.001), myocardial infarction (p = 0.003), and intra/post-operative transfusion (p < 0.001). In a multivariable model, hypertension was associated with returning to the operating room (OR = 1.45 [95% CI 1.20, 1.76], p < 0.001), post-operative medical complications (OR = 1.53 [95% CI 1.24, 1.90], p < 0.001), and surgical complications (OR = 1.17 [95% CI 1.00, 1.37], p = 0.047). However, no difference in 30-day readmission was found (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for post-operative complications in head and neck free tissue transfer, in which prospective studies are required to establish causation. This study may serve as an impetus for proactive recommendations to manage hypertension before undergoing head and neck microvascular surgery.

Temporalis Tendon Transfer Versus Gracilis Free Muscle Transfer: When and Why?

Temporalis tendon transfer (T3) and gracilis free muscle transfer (GFMT) are popular techniques in lower facial rehabilitation when reinnervation techniques are unavailable. T3 involves a single-stage outpatient procedure resulting in immediate improvement in resting symmetry and a volitional smile. GFMT allows a spontaneous smile, customized vectors, and increased excursion but requires longer surgical time, a delay before movement, and specialized equipment. Ultimately, shared decision making between the clinician and patient should focus on the patient's goals and unique medical condition.

Free Functional Gracilis Flaps for Facial Reanimation in Elderly Patients.

Importance: The free functional gracilis flap (FFGF) is a versatile procedure in reanimating the paralyzed face, yet its application in seniors is limited by perceptions of morbidity and inefficacy. Objective: The study objective was to compare the morbidity and effectiveness of FFGF reanimation among senior and younger patients. Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective chart review was performed on 20 consecutive patients aged 60 years and above (seniors) and 35 patients aged 40 years and below (juniors) who underwent FFGF for facial reanimation. Among this group, 16 senior and 22 junior patients with available long-term follow-up data were analyzed for functional outcomes. Main Outcomes and Measures: The length of postoperative stay and postoperative complications were compared with assess immediate results. A second analysis for functional outcomes was assessed by resting and smile facial asymmetry index (FAI), as well as maxillary dental display to compare facial tone and lip excursion. Results: The average age of seniors was 67 ± 5 years and that of juniors was 27 ± 10 years. Mean lengths of postoperative stay were 4 ± 2 versus 3 ± 1 days in seniors versus Juniors, respectively (p = 0.16). There were no intraoperative complications and postoperative complications in one (5%) senior and four (11%) juniors (p = 0.64). There was functional muscle recovery in all cases, with more pronounced correction of both resting (Δ3.0 mm vs. Δ2.4 mm, p = 0.66) and dynamic (Δ5.2 mm vs. Δ4.2 mm, p = 0.37) FAI in seniors than in juniors. Among patients who underwent a multivector FGFF, there was an additional three versus one visualized maxillary teeth (p = 0.03) in seniors versus juniors, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: The FFGF is effective for facial reanimation among seniors and can be performed with minimal morbidity. Age alone should not preclude the application of the FFGF in seniors with a preference for more dynamic options.

Management of Large Facial Defects.

There is considerable variation in the surgical management of patients with large facial defects after excision of skin malignancy. The surrounding facial subunits as well as local, regional, and distant soft-tissue flaps can be considered in more complicated facial defects. We place an emphasis on the versatility of adjacent tissue advancement and transposition flaps in the treatment of these defects. We also focus on the secondary reconstructive efforts necessary to achieve the best functional and aesthetic outcomes for patients.

Normal Gaze Patterns of the Face in Lateral View.

Importance: Current efforts to quantify the attentional distraction of facial deformities have been limited to deformities that are best perceived when the face is in frontal view, and there remains a paucity of knowledge of societal perception of the face in lateral view. To date, no attempts have been made to characterize the fixation patterns of the face in lateral view. Objective: To characterize the fixation patterns and gaze patterns of the face in lateral view. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial at an academic tertiary medical center. Eighty participants (mean age 23.6 ± 1.7 years, 52.5% female) gazed freely at 11 images of faces in lateral view for 10 s each as an infrared eye-tracker recorded eye movements in real time. Main Outcomes and Measures: Recorded eye movements are superimposed on the images to visualize areas of interest (AOIs) that attract the most attention. Fixation duration targeted at each AOI is transformed into relative fixation of the entire face and neck. Hotelling's test of variance followed by post hoc t-testing assessed for the significance of fixation differences between the mouth and cheeks. Results: Participants spent an average of 6.0 (95% CI 5.8-6.2) s gazing at the face and neck areas of each image. Of this attention, 2.8 s or 49.8% (45.4-54.2%) was directed toward the eye, followed distantly by the nose (mean, 95% CI) (16.4%, 14.5-18.3%), cheek (12.0%, 11.4-14.5%), neck (4.6%, 3.8-5.4%), and mouth (4.0%, 3.4-4.6%). These differences were found to be significant by Hotelling's analysis and post hoc testing. A student's t-test also indicated observers directed significantly more attention within the eye-nose-cheek triangle [4.6 s or 79.5% (75.6-83.5)] compared with the eye-nose-mouth triangle [4.1 s or 71.2% (66.9-75.5)] (p < 0.001). Conclusions and Relevance: When perceiving novel faces in lateral view, casual observers preferentially directed attention toward the eye, nose, and cheek. These findings suggest that we draw from a slightly different collection of features to build a schema of the sagittal face, which may serve to complement the central triangle and build upon a three-dimensional model of the "normal" human face. Level of Evidence: NA.

How Old Do I Look? Exploring the Facial Cues of Age in a Tasked Eye-Tracking Study.

Importance: This is the first eye-tracking study to use a tasked age estimation paradigm to explore the facial cues of age as seen by casual observers. Objectives: Determine where observers gaze on faces when tasked with estimating an individual's age. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a prospective controlled experiment, which took place at an academic tertiary referral center. In total, 220 casual observers (80 untasked, 140 tasked) viewed frontal facial images of women while an infrared eye-tracking monitor recorded their eye movements and fixations in real time. Main Outcomes and Measures: Multivariate Hotelling's analysis followed by planned posthypothesis testing was used to compare fixation durations for predefined regions of interest, including the central triangle, upper face, midface, lower face, and neck between tasked and untasked observers. Results: A total of 80 observers (mean age 23.6 years, 53% female) successfully completed the first untasked eye-tracking experiment. A total of 140 observers (mean age 26.1 years, 60% female) successfully completed the second age estimation experiment. On multivariate analysis, there were significant differences in the distribution of attention between observers in the two experiments (T2 = 99.70; F(5,2084) = 19.9012, p < 0.0001). On planned posthypothesis testing, observers attended significantly more to the lower third of the face (0.20 s, p < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14-0.27 s) and neck (0.05 s, p = 0.0074, 95% CI 0.01-0.08 s) and less to the upper third of the face (-0.27 s, p < 0.0001, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.14 s) when tasked. There was no significant difference in time spent on the whole face in the two experiments, suggesting that peripheral elements such as hair color or jewelry did not significantly influence gaze patterns. Conclusions and Relevance: Humans form judgments about others every day of their lives, and age perception colors their every interaction. To our knowledge, this study is the first to use eye tracking to investigate facial cues of age. The results showed that when tasked with estimating age, casual observer visual attention was shifted toward the lower face when compared with those who were untasked. These data inform our understanding of facial age perception and potential areas to target for facial rejuvenation. Level of Evidence: NA.

Measuring Outcomes of Mohs Defect Reconstruction Using Eye-Tracking Technology.

IMPORTANCE: Objectively measuring how Mohs defect reconstruction changes casual observer attention has important implications for patients and facial plastic surgeons. OBJECTIVE: To use eye-tracking technology to objectively measure the ability of Mohs facial defect reconstruction to normalize facial attention. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This observational outcomes study was conducted at an academic tertiary referral center from January to June 2016. An eye-tracking system was used to record how 82 casual observers directed attention to photographs of 32 patients with Mohs facial defects of varying sizes and locations before and after reconstruction as well as 16 control faces with no facial defects. Statistical analysis was performed from November 2018 to January 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: First, the attentional distraction caused by facial defects was quantified in milliseconds of gaze time using eye tracking. Second, the eye-tracking data were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression to assess the association of facial defect reconstruction with normalized facial attention. RESULTS: The 82 casual observers (63 women and 19 men; mean [SD] age, 34 [12] years) viewed control faces in a similar and consistent fashion, with most attention (65%; 95% CI, 62%-69%) directed at the central triangle, which includes the eyes, nose, and mouth. The eyes were the most visually important feature, capturing a mean of 60% (95% CI, 57%-64%) of fixation time within the central triangle and 39% (95% CI, 36%-43%) of total observer attention. The presence of Mohs defects was associated with statistically significant alterations in this pattern of normal facial attention. The larger the defect and the more centrally a defect was located, the more attentional distraction was observed, as measured by increased attention on the defect and decreased attention on the eyes, ranging from 729 (95% CI, 526-931) milliseconds for small peripheral defects to 3693 (95% CI, 3490-3896) milliseconds for large central defects. Reconstructive surgery was associated with improved gaze deviations for all faces and with normalized attention directed to the eyes for all faces except for those with large central defects. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Mohs defects are associated with altered facial perception, diverting attention from valuable features such as the eyes. Reconstructive surgery was associated with normalized attentional distraction for many patients with cutaneous Mohs defects. These data are important to patients who want to know how reconstructive surgery could change the way people look at their face. The data also point to the possibility of outcomes prediction based on facial defect size and location before reconstruction. Eye tracking is a valuable research tool for outcomes assessment that lays the foundation for understanding how reconstructive surgery may change perception and normalize facial deformity.

Regional Reconstruction of Orbital Exenteration Defects.

Aggressive disease such as invasive fungal infections or malignancies may necessitate orbital exenteration. The defects of orbital exenteration are often complex involving adjacent structures. Rehabilitation of the orbital exenteration defect poses unique challenges to the reconstructive surgeon. Various options have been described ranging from secondary intention to microvascular free tissue reconstruction. Here the authors review local/regional options for reconstruction of orbital exenteration defects.