Unilateral one stage nasolabial flap for reconstruction of the lips.

BACKGROUND: Nasolabial flap (NLF) is one of the oldest described soft tissue flaps. Despite the great advances in maxillofacial reconstruction it still has a stable location in the reconstructive ladder of the face and oral cavity. Reconstruction of the lips, which are important structures that connect the oral cavity to the facial skin, with this flap is the interest of the surgeons.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Experience of the authors for reconstruction of the upper lip philtrum, correction of lower lip contracture and subtotal reconstruction of the lower lip with emphasis on simultaneous correction of the red lip (volume and color) is explained in five cases.

RESULTS: Satisfactory functional and aesthetic results were obtained. Iatrogenic epidermoid cyst occurred in one patient.

CONCLUSION: One stage reconstruction of lateral lower lip defects with/without commissural involvement in full or partial thickness defects is possible by NLF. Supplementary flaps are needed when the vermilion needs simultaneous reconstruction.