Lower Lip Reconstruction Using a Submental Island Flap

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lower lip is the most common malignant tumor, comprising 90% of all lip SCC. The typical picture of SCC of the lower lip is an ulcerated lesion with raised margins. Surgery is the treatment of choice for SCC of lower lip. After resection, reconstruction is important both aesthetically and functionally, because the lower lip is a prominent location in the face and it is where essential functions of the sphincter are carried out as in assisting mastication, swallowing, phonation, and expressing emotion. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, different types of flaps are used. We describe here a successful technique to reconstruct a large lower lip defect using a submental island flap and a mucosal flap for patients.