The reliability and versatility of Facial Artery Perforator-Based Nasolabial Flaps in the Reconstruction of Lip Defects

Introduction:The lips are the active focal point of the lower third of the face, making lip reconstruction a particularly difficult task for a plastic surgeon. The goals of lip reconstruction are both functional and aesthetic, and the surgical techniques frequently overlap.Objective : To assess the functional and aesthetic results of facial artery perforator-based nasolabial flaps in the reconstruction of lip defects, regarding flap survival and complications, donor site morbidity and aesthetic outcome of flap and donor site.Methods: Twenty patients participated in the current study, which conducted from January 2020 to January 2022 and included a six-month follow-up. Eight cases had post tumor resection lip defects. Twelve flaps had post traumatic defects, defect size range from ½ to 2/3 of lip size . Results : Tweleve flaps survived compeletly, venous congestion was treated conservatively in six flaps two flaps required debridement due to distal flap necrosis, reconstructed by local flap advancement .Donor site scar was very good in fifteen cases. Conclusion : Nasolabial flaps based on the facial artery perforator are easy to harvest, simple, and reliable. They offer a satisfactory functional outcome with preservation of touch and temperature sensibility, particularly when the defect is accompanied by substantial mucosal and cutaneous abnormalities.