Bipedicled lingual flap for lip reconstruction

Full-thickness loss of the lower lip due to trauma or malignancy presents a difficult reconstructive problem. Numerous reconstructive techniques, including distant flaps, local pedicle flaps, advancements and skin-muscle composite transfers, have been described. The bipedicled lingual flap is a relatively simple procedure that offers many advantages over other techniques since it results in excellent cosmesis without donor site deformity. It causes negligible loss of labial and lingual function. Although it is performed in two stages, its simplicity of execution requires less operative time than many other techniques, and it allows satisfactory reconstruction of unusually large defects.