Full-thickness mucous membrane grafts from the vestibular (oral labial) mucosa of the lip.

Background: Full thickness mucous membrane coverage is desired for a variety of reconstructive tasks involving the oral cavity and vermilion area of the lips.

Objective: This article will inform the readership that the vestibular (oral labial) mucosal area of the lower lip close to the sulcus may provide adequate full-thickness mucous membrane graft tissue for such purposes.

Method: A series of photographs from a number of representative cases with accompanying commentary will enable the surgeon to easily incorporate this technique into his/her practice.

Conclusion: The lips vestibular mucosa will be found to be an invaluable ally in accomplishing non-deforming coverage of superficial mucosal defects without unnecessary surgical invasion of visible lip/chin structures.