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Thin submental artery perforator flap for upper lip reconstruction: A case report
Koohyar Habibi1, Laurent Ganry2,3, Vlad Luca-Pozner2,3
1Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery-Microsurgery, Hospital Tenon, Paris, Île-de-France, France.
Microsurgery
|January 5, 2021
Summary
Reconstructing thin upper lip defects can be challenging. A thin submental artery perforator (SMAP) flap offers a successful "like with like" solution for improved aesthetics and function.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Reconstructing upper lip defects requires quality soft tissue for optimal function and morphology.
- Traditional methods like local or free flaps may not be ideal for thin cutaneous defects.
- Perforator flaps offer versatility for defect reconstruction using adjacent, similar tissues.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old female with basal cell carcinoma of the upper lip had a poor outcome after initial skin graft reconstruction.
- A thin submental artery perforator (SMAP) flap was chosen for reconstruction.
- The SMAP flap was harvested based on a perforator from the submental artery and tunneled for inset.
Findings:
- The SMAP flap measured 6 cm x 4 cm with a 6.5 cm pedicle, allowing tension-free inset.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with discharge after 2 days.
- A 4-month follow-up revealed satisfying functional and aesthetic results with a concealed donor scar.
Implications:
- Thin SMAP flaps are effective for reconstructing thin upper lip defects.
- This technique provides harmonious reconstruction in terms of color and texture.
- SMAP flaps represent a valuable option for challenging upper lip reconstructions.
