Adriana Cordova1, Salvatore D'Arpa, Francesco Moschella. 1. Cattedra di Chirurgia Plastica e Ricostruttiva, Dipartimento di Discipline Chirurgiche ed Oncologiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy. adriana.cordova@excite.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Large full-thickness defects of the lower lip need free tissue transfer. The free forearm flap is the more widespread technique for free flap lower lip reconstruction, but it results in a static lip. The authors describe a technique of morphodynamic sensate reconstruction of the lower lip with a free gracilis flap and a musculomucosal flap. METHODS: Three patients underwent reconstruction with an innervated free muscular gracilis flap, an innervated musculo-mucosal flap for the vermillion (2 cases), and a full-thickness skin graft. RESULTS: No significant complications were observed. Static function and vermillion sensitivity were immediately restored. The skin color match was excellent. After 9 months, contraction of the transferred muscle was evident. CONCLUSION: The lip is a dynamic unit. The innervated gracilis muscle seems ideal for lip reconstruction in that it correctly replaces all the lip layers and compensates for the lost function much better than a static technique.
BACKGROUND: Large full-thickness defects of the lower lip need free tissue transfer. The free forearm flap is the more widespread technique for free flap lower lip reconstruction, but it results in a static lip. The authors describe a technique of morphodynamic sensate reconstruction of the lower lip with a free gracilis flap and a musculomucosal flap. METHODS: Three patients underwent reconstruction with an innervated free muscular gracilis flap, an innervated musculo-mucosal flap for the vermillion (2 cases), and a full-thickness skin graft. RESULTS: No significant complications were observed. Static function and vermillion sensitivity were immediately restored. The skin color match was excellent. After 9 months, contraction of the transferred muscle was evident. CONCLUSION: The lip is a dynamic unit. The innervated gracilis muscle seems ideal for lip reconstruction in that it correctly replaces all the lip layers and compensates for the lost function much better than a static technique.
Authors: Antonio Spaggiari; Elisa Benanti; Marta Starnoni; Pietro Sala; Alessio Baccarani; Giorgio De Santis Journal: Indian J Plast Surg Date: 2019-07-12