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Free-flap reconstruction of large full-thickness lip and chin defects
Willem P Godefroy1, Willem M C Klop, Ludi E Smeele
1Center for Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Diakonessen Hospital Zeist/Utrecht, Zeist, the Netherlands.
Objectives:
We describe our experience in the reconstruction of large 3-layer lip defects using free revascularized lower-arm and fibula flaps.
Methods:
Between 2005 and 2009, nine patients underwent free-flap reconstruction after oncological surgery involving the lip and chin with or without mandibular involvement. The flap techniques are described, and postoperative functional and aesthetic results were recorded.
Results:
There were no flap failures. All patients showed intact oral function and good aesthetic results. Two patients died of distant metastases, 8 months and 17 months after surgery.
Conclusions:
Three-layer defects of the lip ideally require free-flap reconstruction, which has a high probability of achieving good functional and aesthetic results.