Lower lip reconstruction with the tongue flap: surgical technique and long-term results.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the functional long-term results after reconstruction of the lower lip with the tongue flap.


METHODS
We describe the surgical technique and long-term results of lower lip reconstruction with the tongue flap and review five cases in which this technique was used to reconstruct defects of the lower lip, particularly the lip vermilion.


RESULTS
Between 1993 and 2003 we performed reconstruction of the lower lip using the tongue flap in five patients. All patients were followed for 2 to 10 years (mean 3.4 years). The procedure achieved good functional and aesthetic results, with no major complications, in particular no flap necrosis. One patient complained of paresthesias of the tongue which resolved within 24 months. Speech was unaffected by use of the tongue flap, although eating and drinking were temporarily impaired prior to the flap separation at the second and final stage of surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The tongue flap is a simple and reliable technique for reconstruction of part or all of the lip vermilion. The technique is easy to perform and provides good aesthetic and functional results.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head, Neck and Facial Plastic Surgery, Klinikum Fulda gAG, Teaching Hospital of the Philipps University Marburg, Fulda, Germany.
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A
Minovi
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A
Ural
M
M
Kollert
W
W
Draf
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U
Bockmuehl
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000601:surgery*; D008048:Lip Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors; D014059:Tongue / Q000637:transplantation*