Lip and Tongue Reconstruction

Lip and tongue reconstruction are surgical procedures aimed at restoring the form, function, and appearance of the lips and tongue, often after trauma, injury, surgery, or medical conditions affecting these areas. These procedures are typically performed by plastic surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, or head and neck surgeons who specialize in the reconstruction of the oral and facial structures.

• Evaluation and Consultation: The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history and a thorough examination of the affected lip and/or tongue. The surgeon assesses the extent of the defect, the underlying anatomy, and the patient's functional needs, such as speech, eating, and swallowing. During the consultation, the surgeon discusses treatment options, expected outcomes, and potential risks and complications.
• Preparation: Before the reconstruction surgery, the patient may undergo preoperative tests and assessments to ensure they are in good health for surgery. The surgeon provides instructions on preoperative preparation, including any medications to avoid and dietary restrictions.

Surgical Techniques:

Lip Reconstruction:

• Local Flaps: Skin and tissue flaps from nearby areas, such as the cheek or neck, may be used to reconstruct the lip if there is a small defect or loss of tissue.
• Regional Flaps: More extensive defects may require the use of regional flaps, which involve moving tissue from a nearby region, such as the nasolabial flap or the Abbe flap.
• Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer: In cases of complex or large defects, microvascular free tissue transfer may be performed, where tissue, including skin, muscle, and blood vessels, is harvested from another part of the body and transferred to the lip using microsurgical techniques.

Tongue Reconstruction:

• Primary Closure: Small defects in the tongue may be closed directly with sutures if there is enough remaining healthy tissue.
• Tissue Flaps: Larger defects in the tongue may require the use of tissue flaps from nearby areas, such as the cheek or the floor of the mouth, to reconstruct the tongue's shape and function.
• Microvascular Reconstruction: In cases of extensive tongue defects, microvascular reconstruction may be performed using tissue harvested from another part of the body, such as the forearm or the thigh, and transferred to the tongue to restore its function and appearance.