Nasolabial island transposition flap for upper lip reconstruction

André Aparício-Martins, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal Ana Brinca, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal André Pinho, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

Reconstruction of large partial-thickness defects of the upper lip is challenging due to the limited local skin reserve and the lip’s esthetic and functional relevance. We present the case of an 88-year-old female with a partial-thickness defect involving the entire lateral subunit of the upper lip, following Mohs excision of a squamous cell carcinoma. A nasolabial island transposition flap was used for reconstruction. The crescentic-elliptical design allowed an easy adaptation to the surgical defect, and the use of adjacent skin ensured an optimal color and texture match. The excellent functional and esthetic outcome highlights the nasolabial island transposition flap as an option for reconstruction of large upper lip defects involving an entire lateral subunit.

Keywords: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Mohs surgery. Surgical flaps.