Recupero morfofunzionale nella chirurgia ricostruttiva del labbro inferiore: nostra esperienza.

Lip reconstruction is a challenging task for the dermatologic surgeon and requires careful attention to achieve aesthetical and functional goals. From a junctional standpoint, the lips serve a critical role in speech, eating, and demonstrative emotions. On this way the aim of lower lip reconstruction is to restore morphology, resulting in acceptable aesthetical and functional results. We carried out a retrospective study on patients who underwent lower lip reconstruction after cancer excision. We analyzed the data concerning type of cancer, surgical procedure, and the functions of saliva control, food's control, and suction during the follow up period. Among different lip reconstruction procedures that we used, we found the "step technique", mono- or bilateral, suitable for its aesthetical and functional outcomes. This technique is used for reconstruction of all major defects from one/third to two/third. Although it can cause microstomia, the lower lip is repaired with native tissue, without interrupting the muscle fibers of the commissura and the motor nerves.