Options for Upper Lip Reconstruction: A Survey-Based Analysis

Clinical factors such as size and location, but also surgeon experience and comfort level, may influence decisions in reconstructive methods. To survey a select group of surgeons for their reconstructive choices for a moderate-sized upper lip defect. Surveys were mailed to 313 facial plastic surgeons. Survey recipients were asked to rank reconstructive preferences for a specific upper lip defect. Response choices were correlated to predictor variables such as surgeon experience and comfort level. Survey response was 45.6%. Cheek advancement flap was the first choice in 34.4%, followed by Abbe flap (31.2%), myocutaneous rotation flap (20.5%), and nasolabial flap (13.9%), with the nasolabial flap being statistically the least popular (p <.01). For surgeons with more than 20 years' experience and those with less than 10 years' experience, the Abbe flap was the most common first choice (38.9% and 32.4%, respectively). For surgeons with 11 to 20 years experience, the cheek advancement flap was the most common first choice (46.2%). A poll of a select group of surgeons demonstrated variability in their choice of upper lip reconstruction options, although the nasolabial flap was found to be the least-chosen option. Trends in choices based upon experience and comfort level were demonstrated. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.