Revisiting the value of the ‘bandoneon’ flap for lower lip reconstruction: a report of two cases and outcome

Mild- to moderate-sized lip defects that affect one- to two-thirds of the total lip length often require that utilization of local soft tissue rearrangement in order to re-establish lip anatomy, function and esthetics. The use of local flaps in lip reconstruction often follows oncologic resection of common skin malignancies including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. When considering the types of flaps to use for lip defects of one- to two-third total length, a variety of flaps designs have been described, each with its benefits in drawbacks. In this article, we reintroduce the use and value of the bilateral mucomyocutaneous ‘bandoneon’ flaps for lower lip reconstruction in two of our patients. When compared with other flap designs, it can be used as a single-stage procedure with a very good esthetic outcome, minimal to no microstomia and preservation of lip competence and sensory function.