Abstract: Eyelid reconstruction represents one of the most challenging areas of reconstructive plastic surgery due to a combination of anatomical complexity, functional consideration and aesthetic concern. Eyelid defects are commonly secondary to tumor excision, trauma or congenital defects. Posterior lamella reformation with a physiologically similar tissue is essential for the integrity and function of the newly reconstructed eyelid. While autogenous tarsoconjunctiva is the ideal source for repairing the posterior lamella, it is often difficult to obtain an adequate size for large defects, traditional clinic treatment can not produce satisfactory repair effects, finding the suitable tarsal substitute is the key of reconstructive surgery. The use of several homologous and heterologous substitutes is appealing, and the research of new biomaterials and tissue engineering has made great progress. The aim of the review is to describe the different tarsal substitutes available to reconstruct the posterior lamella of the eyelid.

Key words: blepharoplasty, surgical flaps, palate, hard, nasal septum, transplantation, autologous, review