Long-term outcome of local muscles transposition for the functional restoration of large upper or lower lip defects

Abstract

Background Although more than 200 techniques have been reported for the reconstruction of their and lower lip defects since 1000 BC, none of them is ideal. Local flaps come at the expense of extra skin scarring and, in some cases, the surgeon may be confronted with the lack of sufficient tissues for the reconstruction of large defects. It has been reported that several methods exist for performing near-total lip reconstruction. Currently, free micro-vascular tissue transfer and local flap repair (the Bernard von Burrow-Webster method) are the two most prominent methods. Aim To evaluate the functional results of using local muscles transposition-assisted dermal fat flap and muco-buccal flap to treat upper or lower lip defects. Patients and methods This study was carried out on 128 patients, who presented to us with malignant tumors affecting the lips. Results Lip defect sizes ranged from four to 6 cm in length. There was no evidence of flap failure, and the aesthetic and functional outcomes are very well. All patients healed successfully, and 100% of the flaps survived. No cases of microstomia were reported. Conclusion The use of local muscle transposition, assisted with dermal fat flap and muco-buccal flap technique, showed excellent results in regaining, oral competence, and lip mobility, and as much as possible, increasing the aesthetic outcome.