Use of Biologic Agents for Lip and Cheek Reconstruction

The unique requirements of reconstructing cheek defects, often with its proximity to the mobile elements of the face including the lip and the eyelid, have been met very handily with the directed and thoughtful use of biologic wound healing agents. One of the key advantages of these agents is their ability to provide coverage for the mobile elements of the cheek and the lip in patients with multiple co-morbidities. These agents are successfully used where the standard cheek closure techniques including cervicofacial advancement flap are contraindicated due to its anesthetic requirement. Additionally, lip reconstruction involves examining the lip's three anatomic layers: mucosa, muscle, and skin. The defects must be planned for reconstruction based on the involvement of these layers. This paper serves to introduce the use of biologic wound healing agents depending on the involvement of these layers. The authors provide specific illustrations of these agents based on defect location, tissue involvement, and severity of the defect to help with procedural planning to reconstruct a very aesthetically involved part of the face.