Lip Reconstruction Research Articles

Buccal Myomucosal Flap for Reconstruction of Red Lip Defects Close to Mouth Angle.

Owing to the special esthetic and functional role in the face, red lip reconstruction presents a challenge to plastic surgeons. Various reconstructive techniques can be employed to fix the red lip defects close to the mouth angle. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the buccal myomucosal flap could be an available option to repair red lip defects with preservation of its esthetics and function. A single-center, retrospective study of 7 patients with red lip defects who were treated with buccal myomucosal flap was conducted between June 2017 and March 2022. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months including questionnaires and photography. Of these 7 patients, 2 were women, and 5 were men. The average age was 14.3 years (range, 1-32y). All the buccal myomucosal flaps survived well. All the donor sites were closed directly without complications. The average follow-up time was 33.4 months (range, 6-57mo). All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional results. The buccal myomucosal flap is versatile and reliable, with the advantages of rich vascularity, flexible design, and easy access. This study was presented to highlight that the flap could be a good candidate to treat red lip defects close to the mouth angle.

Transposition nasolabial flap: A versatile flap for sensate reconstruction of lip defects.

Lip reconstruction aims at maintaining the function and aesthetics of the facial subunits. Sensation in the reconstructed lip helps in bolus formation, tactile discrimination, and thermal sensation. In this study, we aim to describe random pattern nasolabial flap for lip reconstruction using various functional parameters. This is a retrospective study of 22 patients with carcinoma lip who underwent surgical resection and reconstruction with sensate nasolabial flap. Several clinicopathological parameters were studied. Outcome parameters like oral competence, tactile sensation, thermal sensitivity of reconstructed lip and speech outcomes were evaluated. A functional outcome with 2-4 mm of two-point discrimination was obtained in 19 patients. All patients had intelligible speech. A mean sulcus depth of 19.59 mm was achieved. One patient had partial flap loss owing to wound infection. Random pattern senate nasolabial flap offers a good functional outcome by maintaining the tactile and thermal sensitivity.

LIP CANCER: DEFECT RECONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE (A REVIEW OF 6 CASE)

Lip cancer is a frequent tumor of the head and neck region. Surgery is the treatment of choice for most of these cancers. Although there are several strategies to reconstruct lip tumors after tumor ablation this reconstruction is a challenge for the plastic surgeon. A retrospective review of the patients treated for lip cancer in the plastic reconstructive and esthetic Surgery Department of CHU TTA (Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima), from march 2021 to June 2022. Only patients with histological confirmation of lip cancer were included. All the cases were evaluated for demographic features, tumor characteristics, and lip reconstructive surgery used. There were 4 male and 2 female patients. (4:2 ratio). with an average age of 57 years. the lower lip was the most frequently affected (83%), Most tumors were squamous cell carcinomas in 4 cases (83 %) a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in 1 case (17%), and were located in the lower lip in 4 cases (83 %). Neck dissection was performed in 3 cases (50. Different surgical techniques were used for lip reconstruction after tumor ablation: a V-shaped wedge excision and direct repair was performed in 1 case (17 %) W-shaped wedge excision in 1 case (17%) V-shaped wedge in the upper lip associated with w shaped wedge in the lower lip in one 1 patient (17%) and karapandzic flap is performed for 3 patients (50 %).The most significant aspect of lip cancer surgery is tumor ablation, and that is not affected by the subsequent reconstructive strategy. Careful preoperative assessment and planning will allow the surgeon to reach an acceptable balance between form and function with the reconstruction.

An Anatomical and Histological Study of the Vastus Lateralis Muscle Nerve and Application for Functional Muscle Transfer in Upper Lip Reconstruction

An Anatomical and Histological Study of the Vastus Lateralis Muscle Nerve and Application for Functional Muscle Transfer in Upper Lip Reconstruction

The Use of Infrared Thermography in Determining Timing for Early Pedicle Division of the Preexpanded Bipedicled Visor Flap after Ischemic Preconditioning.

Background The preexpanded bipedicled visor flap, supported by the bilateral superficial temporal vessels, stands as an ideal choice for upper and lower lip reconstruction in males. However, the bilateral tissue bridges after flap transfer caused patients significant cosmetic deformity and psychological burden. Early division of bilateral pedicles reduced the length of hospitalization and expenses. In this study, infrared thermography (IRT) was used to guide the early pedicle division after ischemic preconditioning. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent preexpanded bipedicled visor flap surgery from April 2018 to October 2021. Pedicle division was scheduled at two weeks postflap transfer. Ischemic preconditioning was initiated 3-5 days in advance by repeatedly clamping both pedicles. The temperature alteration of the flap and the temperature difference compared to the normal adjacent tissue were evaluated by IRT. The division surgery was not scheduled until the perfusion assessment indicated adequate. This comprised of subjective examination and indocyanine green angiography. The threshold of temperature difference to determine the pedicle division was analyzed based on the temperature changes between the clamps. Results A total of 8 male patients successfully conducted the pedicle division without any complications. The delay period after ischemic preconditioning ranged from 14 to 19 days (average 16 days). Through ischemic preconditioning training, the average temperature of the flap gradually increased from 31.85 ± 0.36°C to 33.89 ± 0.50°C, and the temperature difference with the normal surrounding tissues decreased from 2.89 ± 0.30°C to 1.15 ± 0.46°C (95% confidence interval (1.5, 0.8)). The temperature difference stayed unchanged after pedicle division. Conclusion Ischemic preconditioning shortens the perioperative period to pedicle division. Monitoring the temperature change reflects the revascularization between the flap and the recipient site, thus guiding the pedicle division. The temperature difference less than 1.5°C after clamping both pedicles can be set as the safe threshold for pedicle division.

A Bipedicled Lip Switch Flap From the Upper Lip for Delayed Re-Do Total Lower Lip Reconstruction: A Case Report

Several different techniques have been described for reconstructing vermilion lip defects. The key to successful reconstruction of the vermilion is to restore the original esthetic landmarks and appearance of the lip while preserving function. We present a case of a 49-year-old patient with a history of lower lip squamous cell carcinoma who presented to our institution status post resection and reconstruction with Bernard-von Burow cheek advancement flaps with Webster modification at an outside hospital. Her main complaint was the lack of lower lip vermillion and loss of lip height. This new defect was repaired using a bipedicled lip switch flap from the upper to lower lip. To our knowledge, this is the first time this technique has been reported in the literature to reconstruct a total vermilion lower lip defect. A bipedicled lip switch flap offers an alternative, reliable method for the repair of large vermilion lip defects that can produce satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes.

Complex management of children affected with cleft lip and palate associated with genetic syndromes

Introduction: The majority of facial clefts are isolated developmental anomalies. In a minority of the cases, however, facial clefts may occur as part of particular genetic syndromes. Objective: We aimed to analyse the treatment of the syndromic patients and determine whether the algorithm of complex treatment – used in non-syndromic patients – has changed in patients who had syndromes. Method: Documentation of the patients, treated by the Pecs Cleft Team between 1999 and 2015, were obtained and analysed retrospectively. These included surgical and genetical data as well. Epidemiological data from the national registry of birth were also used. Results: 607 patients were treated by the Cleft Team in the given period. Among these patients, 25 (4.11%) were found to have associated anomalies. Sixteen patients (2.6%) were identified as having a particular syndrome. 8 different syndromes occurred. Robin sequence represented 50% of this cohort. In 13 patients, the usual treatment algorithm had to be modified. The modifications were necessary due to the given genetic syndromes. Conclusion: Genetic syndromes significantly may affect the treatment algorithm in children born with cleft lip and palate. The (surgical) treatment of associated anomalies have priority over the reconstruction of cleft lip and palate.

Reverse Facial-submental Artery Island Flap with Reinnervation of the Anterior Belly of the Digastric Muscle.

Reconstruction of the upper lateral lip subunit is challenging, and use of several classical local flaps have been previously reported. However, these methods have drawbacks such as visible scarring, anatomic distortion, and functional disability. To obtain satisfactory results, preservation of perioral function is important. We report a case of functional upper lip reconstruction after tumor resection using a reverse facial-submental artery island flap with a reinnervated anterior belly of the digastric muscle (ABDM) without sacrificing the perioral structure. A 73-year-old man presented with basal cell carcinoma on the left upper lip which was widely excised, including the orbicularis oris muscle. The remaining 4 cm × 3.5 cm defect was reconstructed using a reverse facial-submental artery island flap with ipsilateral ABDM. The motor nerve of the ABDM was sutured with the stump of the buccal branch of the ipsilateral facial nerve. The postoperative course was uneventful, and good functional and esthetic recovery were observed at 12-month follow-up. This procedure may be an alternative option for reconstruction of lateral upper lip defects.

Near Total/Total Lower Lip Reconstruction—Chin Rotation Advancement Flap

Summary: Total lower lip reconstruction is a challenging reconstruction procedure. Its main role is to restore lip function, maintain the proper relationship between the upper and lower lips and optimize cosmesis. Various techniques ranging from local flaps to free tissue transfer have been developed. For patients who are not candidates for microsurgical techniques or for those who do not want complex procedures, the local flap technique is a good solution. Most of the reported techniques, based on cheek advancement and nasolabial flaps, lead to scars located in the midface and therefore to unaesthetic results. We hereby present a novel technique for total lower lip reconstruction using a rotation advancement flap based on the excess tissue of the lower face. To our knowledge, this method has not been described previously in the literature.

A computer based facial flaps simulator using projective dynamics

Background and ObjectivesInteractive surgical simulation using the finite element method to model human skin mechanics has been an elusive goal. Mass-spring networks, while fast, do not provide the required accuracy. MethodsThis paper presents an interactive, cognitive, facial flaps simulator based on a projective dynamics computational framework. Projective dynamics is able to generate rapid, stable results following changes to the facial soft tissues created by the surgeon, even in the face of sudden increases in skin resistance as its stretch limit is reached or collision between tissues occurs. Our prior work with the finite element method had been hampered by these considerations. Surgical tools are provided for; skin incision, undermining, deep tissue cutting, and excision. A spring-like “skin hook” is used for retraction. Spring-based sutures can be placed individually or automatically placed as a row between cardinal sutures. ResultsExamples of an Abbe/Estlander lip reconstruction, a paramedian forehead flap to the nose, a retroauricular flap reconstruction of the external ear, and a cervico-facial flap reconstruction of a cheek defect are presented. ConclusionsProjective dynamics has significant advantages over mass-spring and finite element methods as the physics backbone for interactive soft tissue surgical simulation.

Reconstruction of laceration of upper lip in a buffalo heifer: A case report

An eleven month old Murrah buffalo heifer was presented with severe lacerated wound on upper lip due to accidental injury with chaff cutter. Reconstruction of the upper lip was done under standing sedation and local anesthesia after thorough cleaning of wound antiseptically and debridement of the wound edges. The animal was recovered uneventfully with start feeding semi-solid feed orally on 6th day followed by feeding on dry fodder on 10th day post-operatively. Skin sutures were removed on 14th day post-operatively without any complication.

Use of Biologic Agents for Lip and Cheek Reconstruction

AbstractThe unique requirements of reconstructing cheek defects, often with its proximity to the mobile elements of the face including the lip and the eyelid, have been met very handily with the directed and thoughtful use of biologic wound healing agents. One of the key advantages of these agents is their ability to provide coverage for the mobile elements of the cheek and the lip in patients with multiple co-morbidities. These agents are successfully used where the standard cheek closure techniques including cervicofacial advancement flap are contraindicated due to its anesthetic requirement. Additionally, lip reconstruction involves examining the lip's three anatomic layers: mucosa, muscle, and skin. The defects must be planned for reconstruction based on the involvement of these layers. This paper serves to introduce the use of biologic wound healing agents depending on the involvement of these layers. The authors provide specific illustrations of these agents based on defect location, tissue involvement, and severity of the defect to help with procedural planning to reconstruct a very aesthetically involved part of the face.

The "Frogger Flap": A Novel Quadruple Rhomboid Flap for Complex Central Upper Lip Reconstruction.

Summary:Upper lip reconstruction represents a unique challenge for the reconstructive plastic surgeon. Given its prominent aesthetic role in addition to its functional role in facial expression, speech, and oral intake, preservation of this region’s natural form and function is paramount. In this report, we present a novel technique for the reconstruction of a complex central upper lip defect, restoring the natural aesthetic of this essential structure. We describe the case of a 51-year-old woman who presented with recurrence of a previously resected basal cell carcinoma center on the upper lip at the level of the white roll and philtral depression. Following surgical resection via Mohs micrographic surgery, a 1.8 × 1.6 cm partial-thickness defect centered around the Cupid bow involving both cutaneous and vermillion tissues remained. Reconstruction was achieved through a novel quadruple rhomboid flap primarily based on the preservation of the aesthetic subunits of the upper lip. A functional and aesthetic reconstruction was achieved through local tissue rearrangement, restoring the appearance of the white roll and red line. Native perfusion and innervation were preserved during the reconstruction of the Cupid bow, recreating this region’s natural appearance. The design of the flap resembles a jumping frog, which is the etiology of the “Frogger flap” moniker. The Frogger flap recreates the natural aesthetic of the central upper lip through the geometric transposition of tissue commensurate with native anatomy. Through the application of aesthetic subunit principles, it reliably reconstructs central upper lip defects while preserving function and providing an aesthetically pleasing outcome.

Lip Reconstruction by Double Layer and Double Flap New Combination Technique: A Case Series.

In the past, lip reconstruction after ablative surgery has been performed by primary closure and more recently by free flap transfer technique. Cheek’s skin flap has been used to reconstruct the lower lip cutaneous portion. This study presents a reconstructive method for the vermillion and the lip’s cutaneous portion using the Goldstein–Robotti techniques (for the vermillion) and the buccinator flap to reconstruct the cutaneous lip portion and the perioral muscles. This procedure allows a complete reconstruction with a double layer technique for defects of more than one-third of both lips, together or alone, including modiolus, showing satisfactory functionality and aesthetics. The procedure was carried out by splitting the buccinator muscle and elongating the upper and lower buccinator bundles, together or alone. Soft tissue blunt dissection prevented most facial nerves and vessels injuries, ensuring blood supply and an amount of lip sensitivity. Even in the case of facial vessel ligatures after neck dissection, the technique was possible basing the flap pedicle on the internal maxillary artery branches (buccinator) and contralateral facial vessels (orbicularis). We present a case series of six reconstructions of various defects of the upper and lower lips, including the commissure after ablative surgery for squamous cell carcinoma and polymorphous adenocarcinoma. The results showed satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes, with similar tissue texture, static and dynamic symmetry achieved for all the patients.

Facial Artery Propeller Flap for the Reconstruction of Upper Lip and Nostril: A Case Report

Facial Artery Propeller Flap for the Reconstruction of Upper Lip and Nostril: A Case Report

An ethical perspective to using bone grafts in dentistry

An ethical perspective to using bone grafts in dentistry

Use of Biologic Agents for Lip and Cheek Reconstruction.

The unique requirements of reconstructing cheek defects, often with its proximity to the mobile elements of the face including the lip and the eyelid, have been met very handily with the directed and thoughtful use of biologic wound healing agents. One of the key advantages of these agents is their ability to provide coverage for the mobile elements of the cheek and the lip in patients with multiple co-morbidities. These agents are successfully used where the standard cheek closure techniques including cervicofacial advancement flap are contraindicated due to its anesthetic requirement. Additionally, lip reconstruction involves examining the lip's three anatomic layers: mucosa, muscle, and skin. The defects must be planned for reconstruction based on the involvement of these layers. This paper serves to introduce the use of biologic wound healing agents depending on the involvement of these layers. The authors provide specific illustrations of these agents based on defect location, tissue involvement, and severity of the defect to help with procedural planning to reconstruct a very aesthetically involved part of the face.

Dynamic Reconstruction of the Lower Lip With Free Functioning Gracilis Muscle Transfer.

The restoration of large full-thickness lip defects still remains a formidable challenge for the reconstructive surgeons. Traumatic injuries, infections and tumors (primarily squamous cell carcinoma) are the most common source of the lip defects. Lower lips are more important in providing oral competence, unfortunately throughout the life-time they are significantly more exposed to ultraviolet radiation and thus are the most common site for the lip cancers (89%). This type of defect requires a complex reconstruction of an adequate sphincter function, defined vermilion, proper oral lining and sufficient mouth opening. To maintain the oral competence, it is of paramount importance to restore the function of orbicularis oris, which principally composes the body of the lip. Currently, the dynamic reconstructions are gaining considerable interest. They enables not only improvement of appearance but also a restoration of function and preservation of health-related quality of life. The use of the free gracilis muscle transfer to reconstruct the lower lip and its dynamic character in contrast to other, static reconstructions can provide the sufficient movement of the lower lip, which does not depend on function of other mimic muscles as it becomes an independent motor unit with its own neurotization. In our opinion the free functioning gracilis muscle flap, due to its anatomic and functional features as well as low-rate donor-site morbidity is the worth considering option for a lower lip reconstruction.

Reconstruction of the lower lip after broad oncologic resection by Colmenero flap: a reliable option.

SUMMARYObjectiveReconstruction of the lower lip is complex. The Colmenero flap is an effective albeit rarely described method for the repair of medium- to large-sized defects of the lower lip.MethodsA retrospective review was carried out using data gathered from patients who had undergone Colmenero flap reconstruction of the lower lip at our centre between 2015 and 2020. We analysed demographic, histologic and anatomic variables as well as surgical results. This review assessed flap functionality based on proper mouth closure, absence of microstomia and oral competence.ResultsThirteen Colmenero flaps were performed in 9 patients, with the flap being used bilaterally in four cases. All patients had squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip. The mean length of the reconstructed defect was 4.1 cm (ranging between 3-7.5 cm). None of the flaps exhibited signs of necrosis. Five patients required minor surgical touch up during the second procedure: two for dehiscence, two for oral leakage and one for esthetic improvement. All patients had excellent functional and aesthetic final outcomes.ConclusionsThe Colmenero flap is a good resource for medium- and large-sized lower lip reconstructions due to its reliability, limited complications, and good aesthetic and functional results.

The Use of Vastus Lateralis Muscle Flap for Functional Lip Reconstruction.

Total or near-total lip defects poses a serious challenge to a reconstructive surgeon with static procedures not providing desired functional and aesthetic outcomes. The dynamic lip reconstructive methods using functional muscles have become a current issue in recent years showing admirable results. This study present 3 cases of successful total and near-total lip reconstruction are presented using vastus lateralis muscle. This is a retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of 3 patients (2 men and 1 woman) aged 44 to 56 years (mean) who had resection of extensive squamous cell carcinoma 2 had both upper and lower lip involved and 1 had lower lip involvement only. After resection patients had near total full thickness lower lip defect and 40% upper lip defect. The innervated vastus lateralis muscle free flap was transferred to the lip and end-to-end vascular anastomosis on the facial artery and end-to-side to internal jaguar vein was performed. The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve was used for nerve coaptation. The inner and outer surfaces of the flaps were grafted with a thick-split-thickness skin graft. Drooling rating scale and patient and observer scar assessment scale as well as electromyography were performed to evaluate oral competency and aesthetic outcome. All patients underwent single stage near-total lower lip and 2 had part of upper lip reconstruction successfully and survived the surgical operation. One patient lost the skin graft and was managed consecutively and muscle granulated and healed. Two patients underwent radiation therapy and 1 died before starting radiation due to other unnatural causes. The 2 patients achieved perfect oral sphincter competence without drooling and at 9months postoperative demonstrated successful reinnervation of the vastus lateralis muscle. This study demonstrates that lip reconstruction using an innervated vastus lateralis muscle free flap is a reliable method, providing a functional lip.