title: Reconstruction of sphincteric function after dysfunctional total lower lip reconstruction using free muscle graft technique.
abstract: Many techniques can be used in primary reconstruction of total lower lip defects and most of them are functional. If a total lower lip defect is reconstructed with a static, dysfunctional technique, then the patient is prone to some problems such as drooling and gingival show. In order to restore sphincteric function in a previously reconstructed lower lip, we used the free muscle graft technique, which has been firstly used by Thompson for the treatment of facial paralysis. We obtained a satisfactory result, such that symptoms of drooling and gingival show have disappeared, and a minimal purse-stringing movement has been restored. To our knowledge, this is the first time of a free muscle graft application in this type of an indication. According to our result, the use of free muscle graft technique can be a good alternative method in patients, who suffer from drooling and gingival show following dysfunctional total lower lip reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Uludag University, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey.
authors.forename: Serhat
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ozbek
authors.forename: Selcuk
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aytac
authors.forename: Nejdet
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Karli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000601:surgery*; D008048:Lip Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000637:transplantation*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012798:Sialorrhea / Q000628:therapy; D016378:Tissue Transplantation / Q000379:methods*