[Reconstruction of total lower lip or corner of mouth defects with forearm free flap suspending over fascia: report of 10 cases].

Purpose: To improve the contour and function of the lip and its commissure with forearm free flap suspending over fascia.

Methods: Since 2001,this method was used in 10 cases. Forearm free flap was designed according to the lip or buccal defects, then the defects were reconstructed with the flap through vascular anastomosis. The skin island for reconstruction of the intraoral lining and the skin defect was folded over the palmaris longus tendon or fascia lata.

Results: All the patients were followed-up for 2 years, the survival rate of the free flap was 100%, 2 patients had oral incompetence, the others had good oral function and sufficient oral competence. The flaps were helpful to expression of motion.

Conclusion: Reconstruction of total lower lip or corner of mouth defects with forearm free flap suspending over fascia was helpful for rehabilitation of contour and oral function.