A new technique for reconstruction of lower-lip and labial commissure defects: a proposal for the association of Abbe-Estlander and vermilion myomucosal flap techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Reconstruction of large lower-lip defects is a complex surgical procedure, especially when associated with defects that compromise the oral commissure. Various wide resections have been proposed with the aim to preserve orolabial function and achieve a pleasant esthetic result. However, no consensus exists on the optimum procedure. We propose a new technique that combines an Abbe-Estlander flap with a vermilion myocutaneous lower-lip flap. STUDY DESIGN: Five consecutive patients presenting with lower-lip and oral commissure defects underwent surgical procedure. Surgical outcomes were analyzed based on oral competence, symmetry, sensibility, ability to wear denture prostheses, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: All patients achieved satisfactory functional and esthetic results during the 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The association of the Abbe-Estlander flap and the vermilion myomucosal lower-lip flap provides reliable results for the reconstruction of small and large defects involving the lower lip and the oral commissure.

Use of autologous fat graft for correction of facial asymmetry stemming from Parry-Romberg syndrome.

Facial hemiatrophy is a typical manifestation of Parry-Romberg syndrome, characterized by a slow progressive atrophy that appears in early stages of life, primarily affecting the subcutaneous tissue and subjacent fat on 1 side of the face. We describe the case of a 42-year-old female patient with stabilized moderate facial hemiatrophy on the left side of the face, successfully treated with a 2-stage autologous fat transplant and the use of subcutaneous tunnels among the musculature for the placement of the graft. We also describe the principal forms of correcting facial asymmetry in patients with Parry-Romberg syndrome and demonstrate that an autologous fat graft provides good results in the correction of this deformity, with improved esthetics and patient satisfaction.