Lip reconstruction

Abstract

The lips consist of 2 fleshy folds that surround the mouth in humans. They play a dynamic role in facial esthetics, human communications, and oral functions. Defects may result from trauma, malignancy, and congenital disorders. These defects may cause significant alterations of normal lip appearance and function that profoundly impact patients' quality of life. Surgical management of patients in need of lip reconstruction requires a clear understanding of the lip anatomy, aesthetics, and function as well as extensive knowledge and background information of various techniques proposed to this date. This article is a comprehensive review of lip defects reconstruction.

Keywords: Full-thickness defect; Lip reconstruction; Local and regional flap; Partial-thickness defect.