Abbe Estlander Flap

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A patient with a carcinoma of the Lower lip. These cancers are less aggressive than those of the lower lip. Most are due to smoking or sun exposure.			Planned Excision. One-half of the lower lip required excision to remove the defect. The lateral limb of the superior flap was moved medially to better preserve the lip's commisure.

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The width of the flap is equal to one-half the width of the defect. The flap is based medially (towards the center) on a relatively thin pedicle.			Post op view before second stage

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Small rotation flaps are planned to rotate the divided lip back into position.			After 4 to 6 weeks the pedicle is divided and the lips are released. By training the flap and with good circulation the flap can be released sooner in some patients.

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			Two Month Post-Op Result

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Seven Month Post-Op Result			The flap has become innervated and the flap's muscle constricts.