Lip reconstruction using Karapandzic flap

Reconstruction of extensive lower lip defects using vascularized mucosal flap with external skin complex tissue

BACKGROUND

The complexity of lip anatomy and the roles played by the lip make the reconstruction of lip defects more challenging. Adequate reconstruction of lip defects requires adaptation of mucosa, vermilion, and skin features in lip as well as its specific function.

METHODS

A 59-year-old male with left lower lip cancer underwent en-bloc resection and left selective neck dissection (SND), followed by immediate reconstruction using Facial Artery Myomucosal Island Flap (FAMMIF) with external Skin Complex Tissue.

RESULTS

The use of chimeric flap based on FAMMIF and its external skin tissue allowed minimizing the postoperative problem of combination of both aesthetic and functional impairments. The FAMMIF is suitable for the reconstruction of lip mucosa and lip vermilion, while the external skin tissue can be use to replace the external lip skin defect. The patient was satisfied with the treatment outcomes. He is undergoing follow-up without any evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

FAMMIF with external skin complex tissue, as a reconstructive approach selected in our case of lip defect secondary to lip cancer resection, combined the reconstruction of both aesthetics and functions of the lower lip. The technique was found feasible and provided satisfactory postoperative outcomes.

Influence of lip position on esthetics perception with respect to profile divergence using silhouette images

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to determine the facial divergence and lip position combinations that are most and least preferred, and to investigate whether age or gender has an impact on these preferences.

METHODS

The current investigation was carried out on a sample of 1077 individuals who were not experts in the field (253 men and 824 females). The research employed black silhouette photographs of profiles featuring different lip locations and profile divergences. The recruitment of participants was conducted in order to assess the attractiveness of the profiles, employing a Likert scale. The various positions of the lips and variations in facial profiles were thoroughly categorized. Results were analyzed using the Chi-square test.

RESULTS

The findings of the research demonstrated that aesthetic perceptions displayed diversity when considering different lip locations and profile divergences. It was shown that neutral lip positions were predominantly favored, accounting for approximately 40.2% of the total frequencies in the anterior diverging group. It is noteworthy to highlight the aesthetically pleasing features exhibited by those with the most prominent lip position, occurring at a frequency of 10.9% in straight-diverging group. In the posterior divergent group, the most protruded lip position, showed very attractive aesthetics with frequency (7.1%). Gender, age, region, and level of education had significant influence on aesthetic perception.

CONCLUSIONS

The variety of aesthetic preferences is influenced by the location of the lips and the divergence of the facial profile, resulting in different outcomes within the categories of anterior, straight, and posterior divergence. Clinicians are advised to customize the treatment regimen in order to correspond with the unique desires and preferences of the patient.

Lower lip reconstruction with nasolabial flap--going back to basics

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip is frequent, and radical excision sometimes leads to complex defects. Many lip repair techniques are aggressive requiring general anesthesia and a prolonged post-operative period. The nasolabial flap, while a common flap for the repair of other facial defects, is an under-recognized option for the reconstruction of the lower lip. We describe the use of nasolabial flap for the repair of a large defect of the lower lip in a ninety year-old male, with good functional results and acceptable cosmetic outcome. We believe the nasolabial flap is a good alternative for intermediate-to-large lower lip defects in patients with impaired general condition.