Aesthetics and Function in Lip Reconstruction

Abstract.

Reconstruction of the lip following excision of malignant tumors is a frequent task of the plastic surgeon. Adequate oncological treatment must be followed by a satisfactory aesthetic and functional result. A simple and successful technique of lip reconstruction is revisited. It consists in using the remaining lip, which is released by way of a horizontal mucomyocutaneous flap(s) and stretched to fill the gap. Twenty-six consecutive cases of T2–T3 squamous cell carcinoma of the lip were treated using this technique, with excellent aesthetic and functional results.