Lower Lip Reconstruction Using a Combined Technique of the Webster and Johanson Methods

Abstract

Oral reconstruction, especially with lower lip defects greater than 80% of the lip, is still challenging for plastic surgeons. Webster technique is mostly used for lower lip defects greater than 80% of the lip; however, resulting scars in the chin area (Schuchardt flap, a half-circle scar) are relatively conspicuous in Asian populations because of the trapdoor deformity. On the other hand, Johanson staircase flap technique, which is used to reconstruct lower lip defects of up to two thirds of the lip, results in relatively inconspicuous scarring and prevents trapdoor deformity. Thus, instead of Schuchardt flaps, we designed staircase flaps with a Webster technique. Two patients with lower lip carcinoma were operated on using this new technique. Large triangles of the skin and subcutaneous fat were removed from the nasolabial folds, and small staircases were removed from the lower lip to allow medial movement of the cheek tissues. The cosmetic and functional results were improved from the original Webster technique.