Lip and vermilion reconstruction with the facial artery musculomucosal flap

The lips are a complex laminated structure. When lost through injury or dis ease, they present a complex reconstructive challenge. The facial artery mu sculomucosal (FAMM) flap is a composite flap with features similar to those of lip tissue. In this article, the anatomy, dissection, and clinical appl ications for the use of the FAMM flap in lip and vermilion reconstruction a re discussed. A series of 16 FAMM flaps in 13 patients is presented. Seven patients had upper-lip reconstruction and six had lower-lip reconstruction. Superiorly based FAMM flaps were used in eight patients, and eight inferio rly based flaps were performed in five patients. Three patients had bilater al, inferiorly based flaps. In summary, the FAMM flap is a local flap that can be used for lip and vermilion reconstruction. Although not identical to the Lip, it has many similar features, which make it an excellent option f or lip reconstruction.