Lower Eyelid Retraction—Hard Palate Graft

Lower eyelid retraction is common and causes symptoms of ocular irritation and discomfort, as well as issues of cosmesis and facial asymmetry. Moreover, the ocular surface may suffer exposure damage. Prior eyelid surgery, a negative vector facial morphology, and thyroid eye disease are common conditions in which eyelid retraction is present. A spacer graft to the posterior lamella aims to elevate the eyelid margin. Many materials have been used in this context. Hard palate grafts shine due to their similarity to native tarsal tissue with respect to consistency, thickness, stiffness, and the presence of a mucosal surface. In this chapter, the authors describe lower eyelid retraction repair using an autologous hard palate graft.