Evolving concepts in lip reconstruction

Lips comprise a flexible, most mobile structure. They are formed by a muscular layer, covered externally by skin and internally by 'wet' mucous membrane and submucosa, with a transitional zone of glandless mucosa, the 'dry' vermilion. They represent the anterior boundary of the mouth. Lips perform many functions: prehension of solids and liquids, prevention of drooling and loss of food during mastication, formation of labial sounds, accomplishment of a sphincteric action particularly evident in the newborn, and expression of emotions. This article deals with the evolution of concepts in the repair of labial defects mostly secondary to excision for malignancies.