Introduction: Today, reconstructive surgeons offer an array of options to reconstruct the lip defects. Herein we present our experience of using free double-paddle peroneal flaps for extensive lip defect reconstruction.
Patients and methods: From 1996 to 2014, 16 patients with extensive lip defects after tumor ablation were included. Free double-paddle peroneal flaps were used for reconstructions. In terms of flap design, one skin paddle superiorly placed on the lateral lower leg was used to reconstruct intraoral defects, whereas the other was inferiorly located and was used to reconstruct extraoral defects. A part of the inner skin paddle was everted, and the suture line with the outer skin paddle became the new vermilion border. A portion of the outer skin paddle could be de-epithelized and tucked into the fold of the inner skin paddle, leading to greater fullness of the new lip.
Results: Skin paddle sizes were 10-15 cm × 3-13 cm and 4-10.5 cm × 2.5-10.5 cm. Venous thrombosis occurred in one patient but was salvaged, and one flap had superficial necrosis over the outer paddle that was conservatively treated. In the 0.5-33 month follow-up period, all patients were able to close their mouths without obvious drooling.
Conclusion: Free double-paddle peroneal flap transfer could augment lip definition, deepen the labial vestibule, and provide an acute-angle oral commissure, leading to satisfactory oral competency and improved cosmetic results. Therefore, this technique may be considered a viable option for extensive lip defect reconstruction.
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