Total lower lip reconstruction

Terry C. Liu, Dan M. Fliss, Jeremy L. Freeman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

With any extensive ablative surgery of the face, the goals of reconstruction include both the restoration of function and a pleasing cosmetic appearance. When such surgery involves the lower lip, the improvement of function assumes a greater importance because the lower lip has a major role in oral competence. Most of the techniques described for the reconstruction of the lower lip involve the use of local flaps. However, local flaps do not always provide either optimal function or cosmesis. This article describes a combination of a pedicle flap of the scalp, based on the superficial temporal artery, with three local flaps in order to totally reconstruct the lower lip. This combination has features not offered by local or distant flaps alone; in addition to bringing in tissue with an excellent blood supply, a large amount of cover is available to correct the defect; it also allows the growth of a beard to camouflage the surgery and thus greatly improve the cosmetic result.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)143-145
Number of pages3
JournalOperative Techniques in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Volume3
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

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