Compensatory reconstruction of the lips and mouth after major tissue loss.

When any procedure is probably going to alter form and function, the surgeon must be aware of the various trades and select the reconstruction that provides the greatest net gain. It is almost trite to reemphasize the need to listen to and heed as best as possible the needs and desires of the patient. Only by having a knowledge of the effects on normal function and previsioning the resultant deformity can we adequately compensate for major lip and mouth tissue loss. We have attempted to look into the corners of this profusely authored subject to more clearly understand the compensatory nature of its reconstruction.