Lip is a very special structure of the face. It gives beauty to the face by its unique appearance and by smiling. It helps in speaking; holding food and liquids in mouth and maintaining pressure while blowing.  Reconstruction of the lip is very important and is required when there is a defect either due to trauma, infection, birth defects/lesions or removal of cancer. 

When there is loss of lip tissue due to trauma or infection or any lesion is removed from the lip it leaves a defect which needs to be filled according to its size and depth.  If not reconstructed properly it causes unsightly scar, depressions, functional problems like drooling of saliva, and problems in eating and smiling. 

If a defect involves 1/4th of one lip it can be closed primarily by sutures repairing all layers. Primary closure usually gives a good appearance if lesion is involved in the center of the lower lip. 

If a defect involves half of one lip, local flaps (skin and soft tissue from the surrounding area with its blood supply intact) are required in the upper lip while the lower lip still can be primarily closed. 

If a defect involves more than half of either lip it requires flap reconstruction either by local tissue or by free tissue transfer from distant areas of the body like the forearm.

Small defects are reconstructed under local anesthesia as day care while larger lesions require admission in hospital for 2-3 days and surgery under general anesthesia. More complex defects may require more hospitalization and monitoring. 

FAQ

1. How many days of hospitalization is required?

Small defects are reconstructed under local anesthesia as day care while larger lesions require admission in hospital for 2-3 days and surgery under general anesthesia. More complex defects may require more hospitalization and monitoring. 

2. What is a local flap?

Piece of local skin and soft tissue transferred to fill the defect area with its blood supply intact.

3. What is recovery time in lip procedures?

Depends on procedure but usually takes 2-4 weeks

4. Will the lip be functional after reconstruction?

For small defects when lip tissue is used as local flap, a dynamic reconstruction is achieved with superior results in terms of lip appearance and function. Reconstruction of large defects often requires free-tissue transfer usually provides static support of the lip.

 

Written by :  Dr. Fahmina

Copyrights: Pakistan association of Plastic Surgeons