Reconstruction of small- and medium-sized defects of the lower lip

Defects of up to one third of the lower lip can usually be closed primarily, using one of the excision shapes described above. Defects of 30% to 50% of the lower lip can be closed with a stair-step or lip-switch flap. In most circumstances, stair-step reconstruction attains good function more quickly than the lip switch flap and has a better aesthetic result. Defects of 50% to 75% of the lower lip can be closed with a fan flap or a Karapandzic flap; the Karapandzic flap generally provides a better functional result. Both of these flaps cause rounding of the corner of the mouth that compromise the aesthetic result.