“Staircase” closure of lower lip defects

Reconstruction of the Lower Lip: Rationale to Preserve the Aesthetic Units of the Face

“…The step technique is not commonly used outside Europe. [22][23][24] Only a few groups have reported their experience in European countries. 21,[25][26][27][28] The step technique, according to Johanson and modified by Blomgren, allowed reconstructing of up to two-thirds of the lower lip without any compromise of the commissure.…”

“…1,14 The excellent results achieved with the step technique are attributable to the reconstruction of the orbicular muscle in the original direction and the preserved vascular, motoric, and sensory nerve supply. 14,23,26,28 This technique implies a lip and chin advancement, whereas the fan flap and related techniques imply a cheek advancement. 22 The step technique respects the natural folds of the face, namely, the nasolabial, commissural, and labiomental folds.…”