After oral cancer surgery, patients may experience changes in the appearance of their lips and cheeks. At Recon Plastic Surgery Centre, we offer lip and cheek reconstruction surgery that can help improve the function of the mouth and the appearance of the lips and cheeks so that patients may have an improved quality of life again! Book your appointment today.
The most common problems that patients experience after oral cancer surgery are a loss of tissue and difficulty smiling, eating, or drinking. These problems can be caused by the skin around the mouth being tightened, damage to nerves or muscles in the area, or a loss of support from the underlying bone or cartilage. All of these issues can be addressed with reconstructive surgery.
Lip/ cheek cancer reconstruction surgery is a type of operation that is performed to improve the appearance of the face after cancer has been removed.
The operation can be performed using different techniques, depending on how much tissue needs to be removed and what the final goal of the surgery is. The main benefit of this type of surgery is to restore the function of the mouth and improve the aesthetics of the face. This can help to boost confidence and self-esteem, as well as improve quality of life.
The most important factor in deciding whether or not you are a good candidate for lips/ cheek reconstruction is the presence of enough healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous area. In order to ensure successful reconstruction, there must be enough healthy tissue to work with.
Another important factor is your overall health. Smokers are generally not good candidates for reconstruction because of the increased risk of complications associated with smoking. Patients with other health conditions may also be at higher risk for complications. Consult Dr. Arun Jeedi at Recon Plastic Surgery Centre so he can evaluate your individual case and determine if reconstruction is right for you.
Book AppointmentDuring your consultation for lips/ cheek reconstruction, Dr. Arun Jeedi will perform a physical examination to thoroughly analyze the defect, take into account your medical history and order any necessary tests or imaging studies.He will also discuss your goals and expectations for the surgery, and explain the risks and potential complications of the surgery.
After your consultation, you will have a better understanding of what the surgery entails and have a better idea of what to expect in terms of results and recovery.
Lip and cheek cancer reconstruction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure.
Once the cancerous tissue is removed, Dr. Arun will create a flap of skin and muscle from another area of your body to use to reconstruct the lips or cheek.
The flap is then attached to the area where the cancerous tissue was removed. The incision is closed with stitches.
The reconstruction method to be used depends on a number of factors such as the patients’ general body states, the match of the texture and color of the flap with the recipient region, and medical complications. The different options for lip/cheek reconstruction are discussed below.
The cheek is one of the most noticeable facial features, so it’s no surprise that many people are concerned about their appearance after surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Cheek cancer reconstruction can restore the normal shape and function of the cheek, and there are several different techniques that can be used depending on the size and location of cancer.
Some of the most common techniques used for cheek reconstruction include pedicled flaps, local flaps, and free flaps.
Pedicled Flaps: A pedicled flap is a type of flap that is still attached to its original blood supply. This type of flap is often used for larger defects or when there is not enough healthy tissue available for a local or free flap.
Local Flaps: The procedure is known as “local” because the surgeon uses tissue from the local area surrounding a defect to close it. There are two types of flaps: anterior-based cervicofacial flap and posterior-based cervicofacial flap.
The choice of flap depends on the location, size, and depth of the tumor as well as the surrounding anatomy.
Locoregional Flaps: A locoregional flap is one that includes tissue from the same general area as the tumor. There are two types of flaps: anterior-based cervicopectoral flap and posterior-based cervicopectoral flap.
The choice of flap depends on the location, size, and depth of the tumor as well as the surrounding anatomy.
Regional Flaps: A regional flap is one that includes tissue from a different area of the body. Large cheek defects require a transfer of more distant soft tissue sources, such as the deltopectoral flaps (taken from the upper chest and shoulder area), or pectoralis major flap (taken from the chest).
Free Flaps: These are the first choice procedure used in the case of composite, complex, and through-through cheek defects with exposed bone, sinuses, orbit, and maxilla. Radial forearm free flap, Anterolateral Thigh free flap (ALT free flap), and Medial Sural Artery Perforator free flap (MSAP free flap) are particularly used in cheek reconstruction.
Reconstruction of the cheek can be a complex and challenging surgery, but it can also lead to excellent results. Dr. Arun will work with you to plan the best approach for your individual situation.
Lip reconstruction is a type of surgery that is performed to restore the function and appearance of the lips following the removal of cancerous tissue.
If you have had surgery to remove cancer from your lower lip, you will need some type of reconstruction to restore function and appearance to your mouth. There are several different techniques that can be used for lower lip reconstruction, and the type of procedure that is best for you will depend on a number of factors, including the size and location of the cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
If a defect is less than 50%, primary closure should be possible. This is where the cut edges of the lip are brought together and sewn up.
If a defect is more than 50% but less than 2/3rd, then the following can be done:
If a defect is 2/3rd of the lower lip or more and adequate cheek soft tissue is present, Bernard, Burrow, or Webster’s flap may be an option for lower lip reconstruction.
If a defect is 2/3rd of the lower lip or more and inadequate cheek soft tissue is present, the following options may be used:
If you have undergone surgery to remove cancer from your upper lip, you will need to restore function and appearance to your mouth. There are several different techniques that can be used for upper lip reconstruction. The type of procedure that is best for you will depend on a number of factors, including the size and location of cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
If a defect is less than 50% in midline then the upper lip can be reconstructed with a Peri-alar crescentic cheek excision advancement flap.
If there is a lateral defect of less than 50% then the upper lip can be reconstructed with simple primary closure.
If a defect is more than 50% but less than 2/3rd then the following can be done:
If a defect is 2/3rd of the upper lip or more and adequate cheek soft tissue is present, Modified burrows technique or Nasolabial flaps may be an option for upper lip reconstruction.
If a defect is 2/3rd of the upper lip or more and inadequate cheek soft tissue is present, the upper lip can be reconstructed with Radial artery forearm free flap.
You will likely stay in the hospital for several days after your surgery. During this time, you will be closely monitored by the medical team at Recon Plastic Surgery Centre. Once you are discharged from the hospital, you will need to take it easy for several weeks. You may need to take pain medication and antibiotics. Dr. Arun Jeedi will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and what activities you should avoid.
There are many benefits to lips/ cheek cancer reconstruction, including:
The cost of lip/ cheek cancer reconstruction surgery will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the specific technique that is used and the extent of the surgery. Dr. Arun Jeedi will estimate the cost during the OPD consultation based on your individual case.
Book AppointmentAs with any type of surgery, there are always some risks involved. However, the risks associated with lip/ cheek reconstruction surgery are generally very low. Infection is a common complication and can be controlled with antibiotics. Other potential complications that could occur include bleeding, scarring, numbness or tingling in the reconstructed area, or reactions to anesthesia. Dr. Arun Jeedi will take all precautions to avoid the risks and discuss them with you in detail during the consultation.
If you have any queries about lip/ cheek cancer reconstruction surgery or any other procedure, we invite you for a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Arun Jeedi at Recon Plastic Surgery Centre, where he will thoroughly answer all of your questions.
Book AppointmentDr. Arun Jeedi is a young and dynamic plastic surgeon with extensive practical experience and expertise in the ever-evolving field of plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery. Whether you are looking to improve your appearance for a special occasion or you need reconstructive surgery after an accident or illness, Dr. Jeedi can help you achieve your goals. He believes that everyone deserves to look and feel their best, and he will work closely with you to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
If you are considering plastic surgery, we invite you to consult Dr. Arun Jeedi at Recon Plastic Surgery Centre in Hubli, Karnataka.
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