[Face replantation using labial artery for revascularization. Case report]
Miguel de la Parra-Márquez1, Sergio Mondragón-González, Jaime López-Palazuelos
1Departamento de Cirugía Plástica y Microcirugía Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad 21, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Monterrey, Nuevo León, México, drdelaparra@yahoo.com.mx
Cirugia Y Cirujanos
|June 18, 2013
Summary
Facial replantation, particularly for complex lip and cheek injuries, offers superior functional and cosmetic outcomes. This case highlights successful revascularization using the labial artery for partial face reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Restoring facial function and appearance after complex trauma is challenging.
- Face replantation is rarely reported globally.
- Partial face amputation presents unique reconstructive difficulties.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old male sustained a partial face amputation from a dog bite.
- The injury involved 75% of the upper lip, 33% of the lower lip, oral commissure, and 75% of the left cheek.
- The patient presented 4 hours post-injury.
Findings:
- Successful partial face replantation was performed using the labial artery and vein for revascularization.
- Microsurgical anastomosis of the labial coronary artery and vein was achieved.
- Functional reconstruction of the orbicularis oris, depressor anguli oris, and depressor labii inferioris muscles was completed.
- Excellent functional and aesthetic results were observed at 6 months, with restored labial continence and speech articulation.
Implications:
- Replantation should be the primary management strategy for facial component amputations.
- Partial face replantation yields superior functional and cosmetic results compared to other reconstructive methods.
- The labial coronary artery is a viable option for revascularizing up to 25% of the face, including lips and cheek.
