Nasolabial island flap for lower lip repair

Some squamous cell carcinomas of the lip develop superficially without deeply involving underlying structures. In such cases a full-thickness wedge resection can be inadvisable and the use of a nasolabial island flap to repair the resulting defect seems appropriate and reliable. The flap is harvested along the nasolabial fold and is distally based. It is then raised and rotated downward and medially in order to cover the labial defect. The use of this flap in selected cases of lip reconstruction leads to good results both from the functional and cosmetic point of view.