FULL-THICKNESS MUCOUS-MEMBRANE GRAFTS FROM THE VESTIBULAR (ORAL LABIAL) MUCOSA OF THE LIP

BACKGROUND. Full thickness mucous membrane coverage is desired for a variety of reconstructive tasks involving the oral cavity and vermilion area of the lips. OBJECTIVE. This article will inform the readership that the vestibular(oral labial) mucosal area of the lower lip close to the sulcus may provide adequate full-thickness mucous membrane graft tissue for such purposes. METHOD. A series of photographs from a number of representative cases with accompanying commentary will enable the surgeon to easily incorporate this technique into his/her practice. CONCLUSION. The lips vestibular mucosa will be found to be an invaluable ally in accomplishing non-deforming coverage of superficial mucosal defects without unnecessary surgical invasion of visible lip/chin structures.