A novel flap technique for repairing large lower lip defects

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Established lower lip reconstruction methods often depend on defect size.
• Large lower lip defects (>50%) typically require perioral flaps when direct closure or lip-switch techniques are insufficient.
• Current perioral flap techniques can lead to a reduction in circumoral opening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel perioral flap technique for lower lip reconstruction.
• To address the limitation of decreased circumoral opening associated with existing perioral flap methods.
• To offer an alternative to free flap reconstruction for large lower lip defects.

Main Methods:

• Description of a novel perioral flap technique for lower lip reconstruction.
• Evaluation of the technique's impact on circumoral opening.
• Comparison with existing reconstructive methods for large lower lip defects.

Main Results:

• The novel perioral flap technique successfully maintains the circumoral opening.
• This method provides a viable alternative to more radical free flap procedures.
• Avoids the decrease in circumoral opening seen with other perioral flaps.

Conclusions:

• The described novel perioral flap technique is effective for lower lip reconstruction.
• This technique preserves circumoral opening, a significant advantage over prior perioral flap methods.
• Offers a less radical and potentially safer option for specific large lower lip defects.