A new technique for reconstruction of lower-lip and labial commissure defects: a proposal for the association of Abbe-Estlander and vermilion myomucosal flap techniques.

Objective: Reconstruction of large lower-lip defects is a complex surgical procedure, especially when associated with defects that compromise the oral commissure. Various wide resections have been proposed with the aim to preserve orolabial function and achieve a pleasant esthetic result. However, no consensus exists on the optimum procedure. We propose a new technique that combines an Abbe-Estlander flap with a vermilion myocutaneous lower-lip flap.
Study Design: Five consecutive patients presenting with lower-lip and oral commissure defects underwent surgical procedure. Surgical outcomes were analyzed based on oral competence, symmetry, sensibility, ability to wear denture prostheses, and postoperative complications.
Results: All patients achieved satisfactory functional and esthetic results during the 12-month follow-up period.
Conclusions: The association of the Abbe-Estlander flap and the vermilion myomucosal lower-lip flap provides reliable results for the reconstruction of small and large defects involving the lower lip and the oral commissure.
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