Reconstruction of Broad Lower Lip Defects Using Karapandzic-Type Flaps
Jigar Patel, Jonathan L. Cook- Dermatology
- General Medicine
- Surgery
BACKGROUND
Reconstruction of lower lip defects is challenging because of the functional and aesthetic demands of the lower face. We review the functional and aesthetic outcomes of the Karapandzic-type flaps for reconstructing lower lip defects.
METHODS
A retrospective review of patients who underwent repair using Karapandzic-type flaps.
RESULTS
Fifty patients with lower lip defects ranging from 20% to 95% (mean 59.2% ± 20%) were included. Eighteen patients (36%) were repaired using a bilateral flap, and 32 (64%) were reconstructed using a unilateral flap design. All patients had preservation of oral competency and a satisfactory aesthetic result. No patient complained of microstomia. A complication rate of 8% was noted (
CONCLUSION
Karapandzic-type flaps are versatile and reliable for the reconstruction of a broad range of lower lip defects. This one-stage procedure can produce superior functional and aesthetic results as compared with other local and distant flaps with minimal risk of functional microstomia.