The Mustardé rotation flap is a plastic surgery technique, primarily for lower eyelid reconstruction after removing large tumors (like skin cancer), using a large cheek skin-muscle flap rotated into the defect, aiming to provide vascularized tissue and minimize tension to prevent sagging (ectropion) by creating a specific (triangular) defect and careful suturing. It’s a reliable method for significant eyelid loss, often involving undermining cheek skin, rotating it medially, and sometimes using a compensatory triangle or skin graft to close the gap and maintain eyelid function.

Key Aspects
Purpose: Reconstructs large full-thickness defects of the lower eyelid, but also used for cheeks or nose.
Technique: A large cheek flap is lifted, rotated (often downwards and medially), and advanced to cover the defect, with tension dispersed along the zygoma.
Benefits: Provides well-vascularized tissue for the eyelid’s anterior layer, reducing ectropion risk.
Complications: Potential for downward sagging (ectropion) if not carefully performed, requiring precise suturing and anchoring.
How it Works (Simplified)

Defect Preparation: The removed tumor site is prepared, often making the defect triangular.
Flap Mobilization: Skin and underlying tissue are incised from the cheek, extending towards the ear/zygoma.
Rotation: The flap is rotated/advanced into the eyelid defect.
Closure: The flap is anchored high and sutured to the lid structures (canthal tendons), often with a skin graft for the resulting cheek defect and careful management of skin excess to prevent sagging.