Yu's Technique: An Optimal Local Flap for Lower Lip Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Lower lip defects often require complex reconstruction.
• The Yu flap is a rarely reported but effective reconstructive technique.
• Local flaps offer viable options for lip reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the authors' experience with the Yu flap for lower lip reconstruction.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the Yu flap in cases of large lower lip defects.
• To highlight the Yu technique as a reconstructive option for oral surgeons.

Main Methods:

• Observational retrospective study design.
• Analysis of patients undergoing lower lip reconstruction using the Yu flap from 2010-2015.
• Inclusion criteria: lower lip disease requiring wide resection and reconstruction with local flaps; exclusion: other reconstructive techniques.

Main Results:

• Seventeen patients (15 male, 2 female) were treated with the Yu flap.
• Follow-up period was at least 9 months.
• No major complications were reported, with good functional and aesthetic outcomes observed.

Conclusions:

• The Yu technique is a straightforward reconstructive method.
• It provides excellent results for medium and large lower lip defects.
• Despite being seldom used, the Yu flap is a valuable reconstructive option.