Lessons Learned in Posttraumatic Reconstruction of Labial Defects in Children.

Abstract

There is no universal technique for reconstructing the different types of labial defects. The etiology, the size and location, the layers compromised and the depth of the defect are the main determinants of the technique to be chosen. The aesthetic form and the function recovery must be the main objective of the therapeutic process.Scarce studies concentrate into the pediatric population and the operational resolution of complex, full-depth defects. The oral contingence, articulation and facial expression (mimicking) are amongst the most important functions of the lower third of the face, and, in terms of reconstruction, they represent a difficult task for the plastic surgeon. In our case, the experience has taught us about new tools, useful and potentially replicable to guide the reconstruction of our infantile population. The authors present different techniques from five different cases, using loco-regional options that spare microsurgical solutions.