Total upper lip reconstruction with a free temporal scalp flap: long-term follow-up.
BACKGROUND
In men, reconstruction of large full-thickness defects of the upper lip requires both an inner layer to replace the mucosal lining and an outer hair-bearing layer.


METHODS
When locating the superficial temporal vessels, the design of the temporal flap is marked following the hairline needed. After meticulously dissecting the flap, it is inset and microanastomosed with the facial blood vessels. The internal mucosal layer of the flap is grafted on. During the follow-up period, the sensory recovery and motor functions are examined and recorded.


RESULTS
The postoperative courses were uneventful, and patients were satisfied with the results. One patient has a long follow-up period of 18 years.


CONCLUSIONS
The free temporal scalp hair-bearing flap offers a reasonable alternative to conventional techniques in the reconstruction of large defects of the male upper lip or even a total upper lip. It is a single-staged, relatively simple method of providing hair-bearing skin to the upper lip.
Chang
Kao-Ping
KP
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan. kaoping.chang@seed.net.tw
Lai
Chung-Sheng
CS
Tsai
Chih-Cheng
CC
Lin
Tsai-Ming
TM
Lin
Sin-Daw
SD
D000328:Adult; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008048:Lip Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012535:Scalp / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000637:transplantation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome