Dermolipoma surgery with rotational conjunctival flaps

Purpose: To describe a useful technique of surgical resection of dermolipomas. Methods: This is a retrospective, noncomparative and interventional case series. Sixteen eyes of 16 patients with dermolipomas and large areas of conjunctiva strongly adherent to the masses underwent surgical removal of the dermolipomas. The anterior portion of the mass, including closely adherent conjunctiva and pilosebaceous areas, was excised, and the conjunctival defects were covered with rotational conjunctival flaps from the superior or inferior bulbar conjunctiva. Results: The mean follow-up time was 12.5 months (range, 6-47 months). The cosmetic outcome was satisfactory in all 16 patients. There were no cases of reappearance of the mass, symblepharon or significant scar formation during follow-up. One patient developed blepharoptosis and another showed limitation of medial gaze postoperatively. Both were resolved spontaneously within 3 months. There were no other significant complications. Conclusion: Rotational conjunctival flap is a useful technique of conjunctival reconstruction following removal of large dermolipomas and the overlying epithelium.