Estlander Flap for Reconstruction of a Lower Lip Defect Following Excision of a Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract: Reconstruction of lower lip defects presents a major surgical challenge due to the anatomical and functional complexity of this region. We report the case of a patient with a squamous cell carcinoma of the right oral commissure, managed by oncological excision followed by reconstruction using an Estlander flap. Although described more than a century ago, this technique remains a reliable option for lateral third lower lip defects, thanks to its simplicity, robust vascularization, and favorable functional and aesthetic outcomes. In our case, a secondary commissuroplasty using the Préaux technique corrected postoperative microstomia and optimized oral opening. Postoperative outcomes were uneventful, with satisfactory restoration of labial occlusion, phonation, oral continence, and lip sensitivity. This case illustrates the value of the Estlander flap as an effective and reproducible solution for extensive tumor-related lower lip defects.