Volume 75 (2025) Issue: 2025 No#2

Reconstruction of a large lip defect using advanced buccal flap

Author(s): Miloš Đurić, Natalija Milčić Matić, Milan Matić, Darko Davitkov, Vanja Krstić

Keywords:full thickness buccal advancement flap, polarized light, trauma

This article describes the repair of a traumatic lesion on the upper lip of a 6 – year – old male mixed – breed dog using a full – thickness buccal advancement flap. The intact male was presented for examination by a rescue organization. The clinical assessment revealed that the dog was in good condition, though slightly dehydrated, with a temperature within normal limits and a good appetite. A significant defect on the upper right lip was identified, accompanied by discharge. Comprehensive health evaluations, including blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, 4D testing, and head X – rays, indicated that the dog was otherwise healthy, without any concurrent diseases. Wound debridement and tooth extraction were performed, followed by wound reconstruction using a full – thickness buccal advancement flap. Post – surgery, the dog underwent polarized light therapy twice daily for 10 minutes over a 10 – day period to speed up the wound healing process. In conclusion, the full – thickness buccal advancement flap procedure resulted in favorable functional and cosmetic outcomes. The dog resumed normal food and water intake, exhibiting only mild facial asymmetry during the 6 – month follow – up, with no other observed difficulties.