PMC5051554_01
Preoperative picture showing the defect in the upper lip and the large laceration of the lower lip.
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The defect crossed the philtrum medially and extended laterally to the nasolabial fold (Figure 1).
The amputated part of the upper lip, measuring 4.5 x 3 cm, was kept in a hypothermic state.
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The amputate, measuring 4.5 x 3 cm, had been kept in a hypothermic state (Figure 2).
Shortly after the lip was reapproximated, venous congestion occurred. A leech was immediately applied and the lip regained normal color.
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A leech (Hirudo medicinalis) was applied to the lip in order to achieve venous drainage and it immediately regained adequate skin color and became less swollen (Figure 3).
The patient at one year follow-up. The lip still has a slight edema, which is slowly subsiding.
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At one-year follow-up, the patient had good oral continence, good lip motion, no problems with articulation, but the sensitivity for heat/cold and pin prick was still poor (Figure 4).