Microstomia following facial burns.

Deep burns to the face and lips often lead to the formation of scar tissue and contracture of the perioral tissues with marked reduction of the ability of the patient to open his mouth. The mouth tends to be turned into a wrinkled, rigid, unyielding structure, resembling the semi-rigid mouth of the fish. Such burns are most frequently caused by electricity or flames, and less frequently by chemical substances. The deformity caused by microstomia is painful both to the patient and to his family. Additionally, there is serious functional loss, it is practically impossible to smile, speech becomes difficult, and the movement of the mandible is limited. In severe cases feeding has to be performed with a straw. Oral hygiene is compromised and access for the administration of dental care is impossible, hence limited to extractions. Techniques to prevent or, if not prevented, surgically correct the resultant microstomia are described, followed by a case report on a pediatric patient, whose microstomia was surgically corrected several years following the injury.