Reconstruction of an upper lip and intraoral defect following resection of an upper lip melanoma using a lower lip musculomucosal flap combined with a tongue flap

Restoring the cosmetic and functional aspects of the lip after tumor resection is challenging. We report a case of reconstruction for a defect due to resection of a melanoma using a lower lip musculomucosal flap combined with a tongue flap. A 20-year-old man was referred to our hospital and diagnosed with malignant melanoma with metastatic right submaxillary lymph nodes. We excised the tumor with neck dissection. We excised not only the right upper lip mucosa but also the gum, including some orbicularis oris muscle and alveolar bone from the right canine tooth to the left central incisor tooth. The defect was simultaneously reconstructed using both, a lower lip musculomucosal flap and a tongue flap. Revisional operation to remove contraction of a postoperative scar and the right vermillion border collection was performed at 3 months after the initial operation. There had been no functional and cosmetic trouble of the upper lip.