Study of Patient and Physician Views on Function and Appearance After Lower Lip Reconstruction Surgery

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes of lower lip reconstructions, focusing on patient experiences as well as assessments by plastic surgeons and dermatologists. The study addresses the challenges of reconstructing lip tissue lost due to causes like cancer resection, trauma, infectious diseases, or congenital conditions. It highlights the importance of the lip for speech, eating, and facial expression, and the need to optimize therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life after reconstruction. The study observes patients who underwent various surgical reconstruction techniques for lower lip tissue loss, including locoregional flaps and free tissue transfers depending on the extent of tissue loss. Techniques like the Abbe, Estlander, Gilles, Bernard-Webster, and Karapandzic flaps are mentioned, with specific considerations for preserving muscle function and aesthetics. Reconstruction surgeries were performed as part of routine clinical care between January 2014 and October 2025. Participants complete self-reported questionnaires 12 months after surgery to assess their satisfaction with functional and aesthetic results, quality of life, and complications after reconstruction. The study also compares patient perceptions with professional assessments and examines correlations between surgical complexity and outcomes. Data collection involves postoperative follow-up consultations and patient-reported outcomes to help improve future treatment approaches.

Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes Following Lower Lip Reconstruction