Reconstruction of the lip.

The lip has important sensory and motor functions. The principle functions of the lip relate to its abilities as a sphincter that is modified by the many muscles of facial expression. The best repairs of the lip respect natural anatomic lines and preserve or restore the orbicularis muscle. When feasible, it is best to reconstruct labial defects with tissue from within the lip. As the need for replacement with extra-labial tissue becomes greater, lip reconstruction will require a more carefully selected compromise.