Upper lip reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap

Although there are several methods available for lip reconstruction, the challenge for plastic surgeons is young children, in whom there is no laxity of skin. Free-tissue transfer is the method of choice in young children to avoid large unsightly scars and severe distortion of facial appearance. The radial forearm free flap is an ideal flap for lip reconstruction because it is thin and can be folded to restore both the skin and the inner lining. We present reconstruction of half the upper lip in a young girl, in whom the radial forearm free flap was folded to replace the full-thickness defect.