Technical Details Concerning Myomucosal Advancement Method in the Repair of Large Lower Lip Defects

Abstract

The most important decision that a surgeon has to make in large lower lip defect reconstruction is whether to use a free flap or local flap. Despite efficient transplantation, serious cosmetic problems can occur in total or in near-total lower lip reconstruction with a free flap. On the other hand, better cosmetic results can be brought about in reconstructions with local flaps when a repair is made in tissues with similar properties in terms of color, thickness, or pilosity. However, functional problems such as microstomy can be encountered when inefficient transplantation is carried out during local flap repairs. If a repair technique with local flap that enables efficient transplantation can be applied, satisfactory cosmetic as well as functional results can be provided. In this text, the technical details of the myomucosal advancement flap method, which is a successful functional local flap application with good cosmetic results, were reported and explained with the help of schematic drawings.