Reconstruction of medial lower lip defects after tumour surgery: modified staircase technique

The most common cancer of the lower lip is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Micrographically controlled surgery (Mohs surgery) is the golden standard of therapy in localized SCC. Since the majority of lip cancer patients is >60 years of life, planning of surgery and reconstruction has to consider the age and co-morbidities. The staircase or step technique is a robust method to achieve a good functional reconstruction in a one-step procedure. We also describe a modified staircase technique when SCC is not infiltrating the orbicularis oris muscle.