Tongue Flap in Labial Defect Reconstruction

Abstract

The lips represent an important role in social life as they are used to ease phonetic articulation, complement the aesthetical structure of the face and, they serve as a means of giving nutrients to the body. In certain cultures, they are crucial external signs of femininity and serve different purposes. Given the complex functions of these structures, reconstruction of labial defects presents a challenge for plastic surgeons not only in the management of tumor pathologies, but also in cases of emergency post-traumatic amputations. In the present study, we shall describe a case of labial reconstruction using a tongue flap after a post-traumatic loss of tissue in the vermilion border. The surgical reconstruction technique will be discussed and then, we will present an overview of the constraints related to the treatment of the flap and finally the initial outcome of the procedures.