Reverse Facial-submental Artery Island Flap with Reinnervation of the Anterior Belly of the Digastric Muscle

Abstract

Reconstruction of the upper lateral lip subunit is challenging, and use of several classical local flaps have been previously reported. However, these methods have drawbacks such as visible scarring, anatomic distortion, and functional disability. To obtain satisfactory results, preservation of perioral function is important. We report a case of functional upper lip reconstruction after tumor resection using a reverse facial-submental artery island flap with a reinnervated anterior belly of the digastric muscle (ABDM) without sacrificing the perioral structure. A 73-year-old man presented with basal cell carcinoma on the left upper lip which was widely excised, including the orbicularis oris muscle. The remaining 4 cm × 3.5 cm defect was reconstructed using a reverse facial-submental artery island flap with ipsilateral ABDM. The motor nerve of the ABDM was sutured with the stump of the buccal branch of the ipsilateral facial nerve. The postoperative course was uneventful, and good functional and esthetic recovery were observed at 12-month follow-up. This procedure may be an alternative option for reconstruction of lateral upper lip defects.

Keywords

plastic surgery - carcinoma - basal cell - surgical flaps

Author Contributions

Conceptualization: S.H. Methodology: S.H. and T.M. Preparing original draft: S.H. Approval of final manuscript: S.H. and T.M.

Ethical Approval

This study was approved by the relevant institutional review board and performed in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Patient Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
27. Mai 2022

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