You are in: eMedicine Specialties > Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery > RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY Lip ReconstructionArticle Last Updated: Mar 10, 2008AUTHOR AND EDITOR INFORMATIONAuthor: Michael R Shohet, MD, Director, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine Michael R Shohet is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Medical Association, and Minnesota Medical Association Coauthor(s): Maurice M Khosh, MD, FACS, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Private Practice, Head and Neck Surgical Group; Attending Surgeon, Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Infirmary, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Beth Israel Medical Center Editors: Paul S Nassif, MD, FACS, Consulting Surgeon, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Spalding Drive Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Dominique Dorion, MD, MSc, FRCSC, Program Director and Division Chair, Professor of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, University of Sherbrooke, Canada; Christopher L Slack, MD, Otolaryngology-Facial Plastic Surgery, Private Practice, Associated Coastal ENT; Medical Director, Treasure Coast Sleep Disorders; Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA, Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine Author and Editor Disclosure Synonyms and related keywords: lip reconstruction, cheiloplasty, lip surgery, lip plastic surgery, lip carcinoma, lip cancer, lip defect, traumatic lip defect, neoplastic lip defect, fan flap, Karapandzic flap, Gillies fan flap INTRODUCTIONWith any surgical reconstruction, one must take into consideration many factors that affect overall satisfaction in terms of functional and aesthetic results. The lip is no exception. Functionally, the lips serve as borders of the oral commissure, providing adequate access to the oral cavity and contributing to oral competency. Aesthetically, the lips are the focal point for verbal expression and are fundamental to the overall appearance of the face. History of the ProcedureLip reconstruction is not a new concept. Evidence supports that techniques used today were discussed as early as 1000 BC in the sacred texts of ProblemThis article discusses principles for the reconstruction of all lip defects of traumatic and neoplastic origin. Concepts for cleft lip reconstruction are discussed in the eMedicine article Cleft Lip. FrequencyLip carcinoma is the most common oral cavity malignancy. It is the site of almost 30% of all oral cavity malignancies. EtiologyLip reconstruction techniques are most commonly used in neoplastic disease cases because carcinoma of the lip is the most prevalent location for oral cavity carcinomas. However, traumatic deformities comprise defects that may also require the reconstructions discussed in this article. ClinicalLip defects can be classified according to thickness of the defect (ie, skin or mucosa only, full-thickness) and overall size of the defect. Individual patient factors, such as previous operations, underlying comorbidities, compliance, and mechanisms for the wound defect, may affect choices of reconstruction; therefore, several different options should be available for each defect. Upper and lower lip defects are best described separately. Though the choices of flaps abound, perhaps understanding the principles of a few flaps is best. Becoming familiar with the principles of a few flaps is important because the actual defect size is not often known until immediately prior to reconstruction. The hexagonal lip aesthetic subunit can be divided into upper and lower divisions. The upper lip is further divided into 2 lateral subunits and a central philtral subunit. The inferior division is divided simply at the vermillion border. In general, entire subunits must be excised and reconstructed to conform to the aesthetic principles of scar camouflage. This system also allows for discussion of each subunit and its reconstructive possibilities. Several algorithms have been described that match depth, size, and location of a defect with the suggested reconstruction. Although this is an excellent resource in considering potential options, knowledge of both the options and the related benefits and pitfalls of each flap is important. Because prior surgery in the area may have compromised some of the reconstructive options, these algorithms clearly serve only as guidelines. Optimally, the major goals of reconstruction must be addressed; these goals include reestablishment of oral competence, adequate oral aperture and motion, and normal anatomic proportions. RELEVANT ANATOMYAnatomic considerations, including blood supply, sensation, muscular function, motor innervation, and the topographic subunits, are critical concepts that must be recognized if optimal results are to be achieved. The lips in repose approximate a hexagon with superior, inferior, and paired superolateral and inferolateral borders. The superior border is the inferior margin of the nose. The superolateral boundaries orient from around the alar sulci to the modioli. The inferolateral boundaries extend downward and medially from the modioli to the mentolabial sulcus. The junction between external hair-bearing skin and the red hairless surface in the upper lip takes the form of a double-curved Cupid bow, the bilateral apices of which correspond to the lower end of each philtral ridge. The depth of the skin–red lip junction of the lower lip varies greatly in individuals, but invariably some inferomedially directed convexity from the modioli is present. The glistening, pink, and moist appearance of the free red lip, or vermillion, is due to its covering with a specialized stratified squamous epithelium that is thinnest near the white skin and increases in thickness slightly as the mucosa is approached. The epithelium is grooved with abundant long dermal papillae that carry a rich capillary plexus and sensory innervation, which account for the red lip's characteristic color and high discriminative sensitivity. Previously, the oral fissure was assumed to be surrounded by a series of complete ellipses of muscle resulting in a sphincter compression of the lip margins. Upon further functional inspection, independent quadrants clearly are apparent. Each quadrant consists of a pars peripheralis and a smaller pars marginalis. The pars marginalis is not limited solely to the vermilion but extends outward. The pars marginalis is located anterior and superior to the most distal portion of pars peripheralis except at the mouth corner where it is located just anterior and inferior to the most distal portion of pars peripheralis, and anterior to the bundle of buccinator muscle.2 Motor innervation is derived from the facial nerve branches. All mentioned muscles receive their neural innervation from the posterior aspect of the facial nerve. The blood supply is derived from superior and inferior labial arteries, which branch from the facial artery superomedially. The mental nerves inferiorly and the supraorbital nerves superiorly provide sensation. CONTRAINDICATIONSDo not perform closure of any defect after neoplastic excision until margins have been adequately examined. Proceeding with a complex closure prior to establishment of adequate margins can certainly compromise the ultimate result. Soft tissues containing neoplastic cells may be undermined and relocated, ultimately confusing further excision. Previous operations with possible compromise of labial vessels may be a contraindication to the use of a pedicled labial flap. Therefore, a complete history is essential. WORKUPLab StudiesThe laboratory tests that are required for lip reconstruction are those that would be necessary in any type of surgical intervention. Evaluation of coagulation profile, blood counts, blood chemistry, electrocardiography, chest radiography, and other specialized cardiac and pulmonary tests are indicated as appropriate for the age and medical conditions of each patient. Imaging Studies
Diagnostic ProceduresDiagnostic confirmation of cancer is often prudent prior to any extensive resection. Various biopsy techniques are available. TREATMENTSurgical therapyBecause no surgical defect is the same, an individualized approach must be anticipated. General guidelines exist to help in the classification of defects according to depth and location. Such simplified categorization has its limitations but is quite instrumental in providing an organized approach to this highly variable problem. In this section, superficial and full-thickness defects are discussed separately because the treatment options vary substantially. Superficial defects of the upper lip Most upper lip reconstructions involve the perioral skin rather than the vermilion or red lip because basal cell carcinoma is overwhelmingly the predominant pathology. Because of the lack of excess skin in the areas between the lip and nose, many reconstructions for this area use medial cheek advancement. Superficial defects of the lateral upper lip may be closed primarily in harmony with the relaxed skin tension lines. Defects closer to the nasolabial sulcus may be closed primarily within this fold. Small defects in those lateral subunits may also be amenable to an A-T closure using incisions at the vermilion border or medial cheek advancement. Larger superficial defects of the lateral upper lip may require excision of the entire subunit. In patients with adequate cheek laxity, an inferiorly based nasolabial flap may provide coverage of the entire lateral upper lip. In the less-common circumstance of superficial defects of the red lip with remaining orbicularis, full-thickness grafting or healing by secondary intention is most appropriate because any advancement in this region usually results in untoward distortion of the upper lip projection. The donor site for red lip defects is the buccal surface of the red lip at a separate site. The donor site can be left to heal by secondary intention. Superficial defects within the philtral subunit may also be allowed to close by secondary intention or by full-thickness skin grafting typically from the periauricular region. Superficial defects of the lower lip A variety of techniques are important in the management of lower lip defects. Very common problems encountered in the lower lip are leukoplakia and actinic cheilitis. These conditions are often observed in association with squamous cell carcinomas. For this reason, lip shave or superficial excision, including vermilionectomy, of such damaged mucosa is commonly employed. Buccal mucosa can be undermined sharply and bluntly to allow advancement to the previous red-white junction. Occasionally, such defects are too large to allow undermining alone, and a pedicled flap must be used. The ventral surface of the anterior tongue is a dependable location. Flap division requires a separate procedure and can be performed 2 weeks after the initial procedure. Smaller partial-thickness defects can often be allowed to heal secondarily, or buccal surface grafts can be harvested from a separate site and used for a full-thickness graft. Similar to the upper lip, common adjuncts include A-T flaps with relaxing incisions either at the vermilion border or at the labiomental crease. Full-thickness defects Deeper facial defects often require a wide variety of flap techniques to optimize closure. A brief discussion of the more widely used tissue transfer techniques precedes discussion of the approach and philosophy to closure based on location. In 1898, Abbe first described the lip switch flap (Abbe flap), which was originally designated as a complete philtral reconstruction for the relief of the bilateral cleft lip deformity. The use of this flap has been liberalized, and today it is quite useful and a versatile means of both lower and upper lip reconstructions. The flap can be taken from either lip, and its shape and size are dependent on the defect. Typically, a flap half the size of the defect is adequate because the change of length of both lips is symmetric. The flap is incised full thickness with care at the vermilion border of one side to leave it pedicled on a small amount of mucosa and the labial artery. A meticulous 3-layer closure at both the donor and recipient sites is standard. Two stages are required because the pedicle must be ligated and inset at approximately 3 weeks after the principle procedure. For those defects that extend laterally to include the oral commissure, the Estlander flap (lateral lip switch flap) is a useful procedure. This is a lip switch technique similar to the Abbe flap and typically uses a medially based full-thickness upper lip. Oral continence results are excellent, although a second stage often is necessary to correct the typical rounding at the new commissure. This second-stage commissuroplasty is typically performed 12 weeks after the initial procedure and includes a triangular incision laterally at the modiolus. The red lip extending to the lower lip is elevated superficially and used to repair the upper lip laterally. Buccal mucosa is elevated inferiorly and advanced externally to close the remaining lower lip defect at the oral commissure. In a 1974 report, Karapandzic describes the standard procedure that functionally reconstructs large defects of both the upper and lower lips.1 This method is based on the principle that the best form of reconstruction comes from tissue that most closely resembles the tissue being replaced—in this case, the lip and cheek. Musculocutaneous flaps with a width equal to the height of the defect are formed on both sides of the defect. The neurovascular supply to the orbicularis oris musculature, namely the facial artery and facial nerve branches, are dissected out and spared. A gradual cutting of the peripheral muscle fibers and concentric undermining allows advancement without the need to extend within the mucosa. Because only the peripheral rim of orbicularis oris muscle is incised, and the buccinator muscle is preserved, complete and immediate function is restored. The nasolabial fold provides color- and texture-matched tissue to the upper and lower lips. An excellent blood supply based on the facial arteries and a natural-appearing scar at the donor site reinforces this flap as a useful adjunct in lip reconstruction. Most flaps for this purpose are based inferiorly and may include myocutaneous or cutaneous donor layers. The Gate flap is essentially a larger, innervated, inferiorly based, myocutaneous nasolabial flap that can be used for unilateral or bilateral closure of defects of the entire lower lip if needed. Motor function is not quite as automatic as in the Karapandzic flap, but donor tissue is more abundant. Therefore, this flap is a useful option in cases that are limited by significant microstomia and by limited oral access when a Karapandzic flap is used. Perialar crescentic cheek excision is a useful technique for defects of the upper lip that require musculocutaneous advancement from adjacent cheek tissue. Simple advancement would cause bunching at the perialar folds. This excision is essentially an elliptical excision with the upper part shifted laterally to avoid the nostril. The perialar skin may be preserved as a caudally based flap to reconstruct columellar or nostril floor defects. A variety of donor sites have been described for use in lip reconstruction. These sites are based on the size and nature of the lip defect and associated surrounding facial structures. Consider microvascular free tissue transfer techniques in situations in which the protocols outlined below are not adequate. Full-thickness defects of the upper lip Defects of up to one third of the upper lip, not including the majority of the philtral subunit, may be closed primarily without risk of significant tightening. Often this closure also requires a perialar excision and advancement. Meticulous realignment of the vermilion border is paramount. Full-thickness defects that involve a majority of the philtral subunit are treated very effectively with replacement of the entire philtral subunit. An Abbe flap from the lower lip can adequately reconstruct the central subunit, and depending on the size of the residual lateral subunit defects, these defects can often be closed with careful approximation to the Abbe flap. Precisely scratching or tattooing the red-white border prior to excision can facilitate alignment of the vermilion border. For full-thickness defects that include greater than one half of the upper lip, an inclusion of more than 1 subunit is necessary. Using the above-mentioned techniques in combination, nearly all but the largest defects are amenable to closure. For example, a defect including the central subunit and most of a lateral or both lateral subunits can be reconstructed employing advancement flaps for the lateral subunits and a central Abbe flap for philtral reconstruction. With care to align the flaps in a position approximating the philtrum, natural appearing contours are possible. Excision of excess perialar skin in a crescentic fashion is necessary to avoid blunting in this area. Initial alignment of the philtral reconstruction as a means of orientation ensures that the philtrum is centrally located in relation to the nasal columella. The initial alignment also ensures that adequate advancement of the lateral subunits can be performed without risk of excess tension on this central reconstruction, with resultant lateral deviation and an awkward appearing upper lip. Although rare, full-thickness defects of the entire upper lip can be a serious challenge. Bilateral nasolabial flaps may be used for the lateral subunits, and an Abbe flap may be used for the central subunit in patients with adequate cheek laxity. Advancement of labial mucosa onto the skin flaps recreates a red lip subunit. Another option in patients with less skin laxity is the Karapandzic flap using a reverse elevation. While effective in closing such challenging defects, microstomia can be problematic. Full-thickness defects of the lower lip V-excision with primary closure is considered adequate in most full-thickness defects encompassing up to one third of the lower lip. The vermilion border must be realigned meticulously to avoid malalignment. A 3-layer closure, including the oral mucosa, the orbicularis oris muscle, and the overlying skin in individual layers, generally is necessary for full-thickness reconstruction. A W-shaped excision may be used to avoid crossing the mentolabial crease and to allow for even larger defects to be closed primarily. For larger centrally located defects in which closure certainly affects the mentolabial crease, bilateral advancement flap (double-barrel) closures allow adequate undermining in cases of defects up to three fourths of the lower lip. Another option for larger defects laterally located, but not including the oral commissure, is the Abbe flap. As previously discussed, the upper lip donor site should be approximately one half of the size of the defect. For defects that include the oral commissure, the Estlander flap often is an excellent option. Because this flap generally causes rounding of the oral commissure, a secondary commissuroplasty procedure is usually necessary at a separate time. A fan flap, first described by Gillies and popularized by Millard, is another option.3 This flap has a superiorly based pedicle that provides additional tissue to the lip so that microstomia is avoided. Because of the reorientation of the orbicularis oris muscle, a lack of motor function and minimal return of sensation results in this portion of the flap. Buccal advancement is often necessary to recreate the border between the vermilion and the red and white portions of the lip. The Karapandzic flap is an excellent 1-stage option for innervated and well-vascularized closure of defects of one half of the upper lip or larger. However, the significant limitation of this flap is microstomia. For patients in whom oral access is not sufficient to use this type of reconstruction, other options are available. Bilateral Gillies fan flaps result in adequate coverage for defects of varying thickness, even for full defects. Because of the reorientation of the muscle and orientation of tissue transfer, motor function and sensitivity of the flap are limited. Advancement of buccal mucosa to the advanced skin is often necessary to recreate a red-white border. Bernard Von Burow popularized the bilateral cheek advancement flap, which is another option for total lip defects. Webster later modified this technique. In this reconstruction, large cheek advancement flaps are designed, with excess advanced skin oriented within the nasolabial folds superiorly and in the crease between the mentum and the cheek inferiorly. Advancement of buccal mucosa is necessary for creation of a new vermilion. Because denervation is necessary to advance the cheek musculature, a lack of motor function and sensitivity results, which limits this type of tissue transfer. Preoperative detailsDiscussion of risks and alternatives is a fundamental part of informed consent prior to any surgical procedure; lip reconstruction is no exception. Because the exact reconstructive option is not often known at the onset of the procedure, the above guidelines allow an organized discussion of the possibilities. Intraoperative detailsThese details have been highlighted in the discussion of each reconstructive option (see Surgical therapy). In the cases of multilayered closure, general guidelines for the choice of suture material are worthy of mention. Mucosa is typically closed with a faster self-absorbing suture such as chromic suture. Muscle layers are better approximated with a longer lasting nonreactive material. Polydioxanone (PDS) fulfills these criteria. The skin is optimally addressed with a nonresorbable nonreactive monofilament, such as nylon or Prolene. Postoperative detailsRoutine surgical wound care includes regular cleaning of suture lines to minimize crust formation. Hydrogen peroxide solution is helpful for atraumatic removal. Antibiotic ointment is generally used in all nonmucosal sites for the first 48 hours, after which benefits of the antibiotic are not clear. Optimal wound closure excludes tension at the suture lines. For this reason, sutures can be removed from 4-7 days postoperatively. Adjunctive means of minimizing tension at the suture sites include Steri-strips and layered closure. Follow-upSecondary procedures are generally timed on an individual basis. In general, pedicle insets in the case of lip switch techniques can be performed at approximately 3 weeks following the initial operation. Revision and secondary commissuroplasty procedures are best performed when most of the healing and postoperative edema is completed, usually after a minimum of 3 months. COMPLICATIONSGiven the relatively generous vascular supply of most head and neck structures, including the perioral region, postoperative infectious complications involving the lips and oral commissure are uncommon. Flap necrosis may sometimes follow inadvertent kinking or ligation of the labial artery during lip switch procedures; therefore, meticulous handling of the tissues is warranted. Often the hypoesthesia of the donor and recipient sites warrants frequent reminding; therefore, instruct the patient to avoid aggressive opening of the mouth and to take care while eating in order to minimize pedicle trauma in the postoperative period. Recurrent disease is another unfortunate complication of any oncologic procedure. Use frozen section pathology or Mohs techniques judiciously in order to minimize the incidence of recurrence. FURTHER READINGShohet MR, Khosh MM. Lip Reconstruction. In: Buchen DR, ed. Skin Flaps in Facial Reconstruction. 1st ed. New York: Mcgraw-Hill Companies, Inc; 2007:127-147. ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe authors would like to acknowledge the artwork of Tanya S. Penn for the illustrations. MULTIMEDIA
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