Staged sequential reconstruction of a total lower lip, chin, and anterior mandibular defect.

Abstract

The combination of a total lower lip, chin, and anterior mandibular defect following cancer resection is an extremely complex problem that requires a sequence of operations to optimize functional and aesthetic results. One patient is presented in whom the defect was reconstructed with a free fibular flap followed by a series of ancillary procedures using both modern and traditional techniques. At the time of tumor ablation, the through-and-through oromandibular defect was reconstructed with a fibular osteocutaneous flap. The lower lip and gingivolabial sulcus was reconstructed later with a tongue flap. Tissue expansion was subsequently used to replace the fibular skin with expanded submental hair-bearing skin. A polyethylene implant was added later to the fibular bone for chin augmentation. Subsequently the lower lip was supported with a tendinous graft suspended to the anterior masseter bilaterally. Lastly, the vermilion border was elevated by removing a rim of the tongue flap and covering the secondary wound with a full-thickness skin graft. At the end of the reconstructive procedures, lip seal and oral aperture were good with no drooling and excellent speech.