title: Hemi-Bernard method: straightforward reconstruction of lower lip after malignant tumor resection.
abstract: The Bernard method is a straightforward method for reconstructing lower lip defects after tumor resection. However, this method is difficult to apply when the defect is located on the unilateral side of the lower lip. This report describes the reconstruction of unilateral lower lip defects using a modified Bernard method, which is referred to as the hemi-Bernard method. Three patients (2 male and 1 female; mean defect, 55%) underwent reconstruction using the hemi-Bernard method after lower lip malignant tumor resection. No infection or flap necrosis occurred, and none of the 3 patients had difficulty with oral ingestion. Movement of the orbicularis oris muscle was retained in all patients. The hemi-Bernard method is straightforward and has several advantages, including extension of lower lip length. This method could be useful for reconstructing full-thickness defects located on the unilateral side of the lower lip.
authors: Associate Professor, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan. Electronic address: oktms-okt@umin.ac.jp.
authors: Masayuki
authors: M
authors: Okochi
authors: Professor, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.
authors: Kazuki
authors: K
authors: Ueda
authors: Research Associate, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.
authors: Hiromi
authors: H
authors: Okochi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000601:surgery*; D008048:Lip Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D040521:Subcutaneous Tissue / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome