Reconstruction of a traumatic defect of the lower lip: Combined techniques of vermilion and mucosal advancement flaps in Senegal

Abstract

Interpersonal violence is one of the main causes of soft tissue injuries. Senegal is a country that is plagued by public strikes every year, and it is common for them to cause serious damages.The face is one of the most exposed parts of the body to soft tissue damage, especially the lips which are of great importance. They play an aesthetic as well as a functional role. Reconstruction of lips defect, regardless of its origin, has always been a challenge for the surgeon because of the need to preserve the function of the lips while achieving a satisfactory result.We present the first documented case in Senegal of reconstruction of traumatic defect of the lower lip using combined techniques of vermillion and mucosal advancement flaps.

Keywords

• traumatic injury
• lip reconstruction
• vermilion flap
• mucosal flap