Lip and perioral reconstruction

Abstract

For defects up to approximately 80% of either upper or lower lip, reconstructions that use remaining lip and cheek can function and look reasonably well. Free tissue transfers, such as the free radial forearm flap, are useful for larger defects as they import additional tissue in one step and reduce microstomia, which is more likely to result from local tissue repairs. At best, free flaps provide a static dam or curtain that functions as a lip; at worst, they deliver a large amount of composite tissue to allow for primary healing. Satisfactory outcomes after free flap reconstructions for lip are best achieved when the transferred tissue is integrated with the native tissues by suspending free flaps appropriately, resurfacing with the flaps with vermilion substitutes, and judicious interposition of remaining lip segments.