Vermilion Reconstruction with Mucosal Island Flap

Lee, Young Jin; Kim, Jeong Tae

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the method using the mucosal island flap for the reconstruction of upper and lower lip defect and introduce its versatile applications and advantages. This flap is based on the inferior labial artery as the axial pedicle and is composed of musosa only, excluding muscle to give a sufficient rotation arc of the flap. Mucosal island flap is effective for the reconstruction of vermilion, because the mucosa of the flap is similar to the lip, with its color and texture matched well. Four patients with various large defects of vermilion underwent the reconstruction with mucosal island flaps. Two patients were presented with venous malformations and others were admitted with lip deformities caused by traffic accident or operation for basal cell carcinoma. Elevation of flap is simple and safe in maintenance with the interdental wire fixation to prevent the pedicle from being stretched and, primary closure is available in donor site under local anesthesia. Therefore, mucosal island flap can be recommended as an effective and reliable method for the reconstruction of over one-third defect of vermilion.