Modified labial tissue sliding flaps for repairing large lower lip defects.
OBJECTIVE
Common flap techniques for reconstructing large defects in the lower lip are often destructive and complex and result in unsatisfactory function and appearance. This article describes a modified technique that uses sliding labial tissue flaps to avoid these problems.


METHODS
Eight patients with lower lip carcinomas had defects ranging from one third to four fifths of the length of the lower lip after tumor resection. The defects were closed with sliding labial tissue flaps, taking advantage of the elasticity of soft tissue to reduce the loss of normal tissue. Patients were followed for 2 to 12 years.


RESULTS
The functional and cosmetic results were good, and there were no intra- or postoperative complications. Some patients experienced tightness of the lower lip that disappeared within 6 months. Carcinoma did not recur in any patient after a median follow-up period of more than 5 years.


CONCLUSIONS
This modified labial tissue sliding flap technique is simple, safe, functionally and aesthetically satisfactory, sacrifices little healthy tissue, heals rapidly, and requires no further revision. The technique is effective for repairing defects covering one third to four fifths of the lower lip.
Liu
J
J
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China. timliu@mail.hz.zj.cn
Okutomi
T
T
Cao
Z
Z
Tatematsu
N
N
D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D018289:Carcinoma, Verrucous / Q000601:surgery; D004548:Elasticity; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008048:Lip Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D014945:Wound Healing