Lip Reconstruction with a Palatal Mucoperiosteal Graft

In the repair of lip defects, the reconstructive surgeons’ goals are to preserve lip function and achieve an aesthetically acceptable outcome. When choosing the type of repair, to the surgeon considers the defect’s size and location. Mucosal grafts, such as those taken from labial, buccal, and palatal mucosa, are typically used for lip reconstruction [14]. Free mucosal grafts have several advantages for lip reconstruction: 1) the donor structure is anatomically and histologically similar to that of the vermilion lip, 2) there is no donor site morbidity, and 3) good aesthetic and functional results can be obtained. The major drawbacks to vermilion lip reconstruction using free mucosal grafts are inadequate bulk in the reconstructed lip and reduced elasticity in the lips due to postoperative shrinkage of the graft and deformation of the grafted tissue. We previously performed reconstruction of the posterior lamella of the eyelid using hard palate mucosa with periosteum to compensate for the drawbacks of reconstruction with mucosal tissue only, and we obtained satisfactory results [5,6]. In this report, we describe the use of this palatal mucoperiosteal graft technique to vermilion lip reconstruction [7].