Combined submental flap with toe web for reconstruction of the lip with oral commissure

We present a new method employing a combined submental island flap and dorsalis pedis flap with the first toe web for reconstruction of a large lip defect including the oral commissure. The advantages of this method are: there is an excellent colour match; an anatomical structure similar to that of the oral commissure produces excellent results; there is superb function of the oral commissure; a donor-scar deformity can be avoided, since both flaps come from concealed areas; and good lining by the thin dorsal skin of the foot and submental skin results in a single-stage operation. The disadvantages are that complicated microvascular anastomoses may be required and there is a possibility of venous congestion of the submental flap in cases with a hypoplastic venous system. The use of the anterior jugular vein within the flap may be a key to overcoming this problem. (C) 2000 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons.