Repair of upper lip scar by expanded submental flap

Abstract

Objective To discuss the repairing methods of the wound after upper lip lesion excision. Methods The wound after upper lip lesion excision was repaired by expanded pedicled submental flap. The 3 cm-long incision was located in 1 cm to sub-mandible. The 100 ml expander was placed beneath the platysma, and the aqueducts and spigots of the expanders were laid out of the skin. After complete expansion, the spastic scars of the upper lip and nasal bottom were resolved, the nasal columella and upper lip were put back to the normal position. The pedicled submental flap was transferred to the wound after upperlip excision according to the size of the wound. The pedicle was severed after 3 weeks. Results There were 5 cases of the expanded pedicled submental flap to repair the wound after upper lip excision. The flap survived without complications. The appearances were satisfied by the patients. Conclusions The method of the expanded submental flap is suitable for the wound after upper lip excision. Key words: Submental flap; Tissue expansion technique; Upper lips; Cicatrix