Surgical reconstruction of a W-shaped lower lip after extensive tissue loss and management of human bite wounds: A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Human bites represent a considerable risk of infection, which negatively impacts the healing and reconstruction of the lower lip. This case report describes the effectiveness of combining surgical W reconstruction of the lower lip with specialized care to manage severe tissue loss due to biting.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 22-year-old woman was bitten on the lower lip by her neighbor. A clinical examination revealed a wound with significant tissue loss on the right lower lip. To properly reconstruct and suture the wound edges, a W-shaped excision was performed to remove tissue suspected of harboring infection. Additionally, an arched endo-buccal counter-incision at the base of the mucosa was made to mobilize the tissue, ensuring lip symmetry. Appropriate treatment was administered for lesions caused by human bites.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The surgical W reconstruction of the lip technique is also used for excising tumors of the lower lip. Although there are other techniques for reconstructing the lip following tissue loss, the one described in this case offers an advantage in terms of ease of execution and reduced tissue damage.

CONCLUSION

After extensive tissue loss in the lower lip of a human being due to a human bite, this case report suggests that W reconstruction of the wound is a therapeutic alternative, giving short-term aesthetic results with a lower risk of infection.