Reconstruction of total lower lip, labial commissure and palatomaxillary defect with composite island cheek flap

Functional and cosmetic restoration of total lower lip, labial commissure, and palatomaxillary defects can be achieved by using multiform flaps. The possibility of reconstruction of these areas with composite island cheek flap is presented. The flap was used in three patients who were surgically treated between 1993 and 1998. In one female patient, total lower lip and chin defect was restored with a small contralateral platysma muscle cutaneous flap. The functional and cosmetic result was achieved with composite island cheek flap. In the other two cases, reconstruction was performed without another flap. Composite island cheek flap is supplied with bloody by the facial artery and vein, and contains mucous membrane, muscle and skin of the cheek. In two cases, the flap was formed by the anterior part of the buccal muscle, and in the case with the reconstruction of labial commissure, the greater and lesser zygomatic muscles with levator muscle of the angle of mouth were used. By freeing the blood vessels from the surrounding structures, isolation and transsection of minor vessel branches allowed straightening of the tortuous main vessels. With this technique, excellent functional and satisfactory cosmetic results were achieved in a single act, with minimal morbidity for labial commissure, and total lower lip or palatomaxillary defect reconstruction.