Use of the vermilion myomucosal flap with or without the mentolabial skin flap for lower lip reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Several techniques that have been described for reconstructing the lower lip often produce microstomia, commissure distortion, functional impairment, and decreased sensitivity. A technique for preserving neuromuscular tissue during a single-stage lip reconstruction is reported in this study. This technique involves the use of the vermilion myomucosal advancement flap with or without the mentolabial skin flap. METHODS: This study analyzed 17 male patients with squamous cell carcinoma. The mean patient age was 54.8 years, and incidence of lip defects after resection ranged from 20% to 85%. RESULTS: Infection, nerve damage, or the requirement for surgical revision was not observed in any patient during the follow-up period of three months. Three patients had microstomia with slight posterior enlargement of the lip. All patients had good sensitivity and adequate sphincter continence. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the vermilion myomucosal flap with or without the mentolabial skin flap resulted in a minimal risk of microstomia or functional incompetence. This procedure is performed in a single surgical stage and has good aesthetic and functional results for reconstruction of up to 80% of the lower lip

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Oliveira,Milton Paulo de, Martins,Pedro Djacir Escobar, Cunha,Guilherme Larsen da, Alvarez,Gustavo Steffen, Gazzalle,Anajara, Siqueira,Evandro José
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica 2011
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1983-51752011000300012
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