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Lower lip reconstruction with the tongue flap: surgical technique and long-term results. Objective: To demonstrate the functional long-term results after reconstruction of the lower lip with the tongue flap.
Methods: We describe the surgical technique and long-term results of lower lip reconstruction with the tongue flap and review five cases in which this technique was used to reconstruct defects of the lower lip, particularly the lip vermilion.
Results: Between 1993 and 2003 we performed reconstruction of the lower lip using the tongue flap in five patients. All patients were followed for 2 to 10 years (mean 3.4 years). The procedure achieved good functional and aesthetic results, with no major complications, in particular no flap necrosis. One patient complained of paresthesias of the tongue which resolved within 24 months. Speech was unaffected by use of the tongue flap, although eating and drinking were temporarily impaired prior to the flap separation at the second and final stage of surgery.
Conclusion: The tongue flap is a simple and reliable technique for reconstruction of part or all of the lip vermilion. The technique is easy to perform and provides good aesthetic and functional results.