[Beyond the lips. Reconstructive techniques and indications]

Labial tissue defects that extend beyond the anatomic boundary of the labial region confront us with two distinct reconstructive problems. When the extension is centrifugal towards the periphery, the tissue loss is essentially tegumentary. The reconstructive aim in this case is not only to restore tissues of the perilabial areas with the best possible morphologic and functional harmony but also to place the reconstructed lip harmoniously and in good relation to these structures. In the case of posterior extension of tissue losses towards the jaws, it is mandatory to reconstruct the underlying bony and eventually alveolo-dental architecture prior to the lip reconstruction. The reconstruction strategy is emphasised by two cases of complex ballistic injury.