# Upper Lip Reconstruction With the Anchor Flap: A Modified Technique of the Reverse Yu's Flap

## TL;DR

A modified flap technique called the 'anchor flap' is introduced for reconstructing large upper lip defects after tumor removal.

## Contribution

The novel 'anchor flap' modification allows reconstruction of larger upper lip defects with reduced risk of microstomia.

## Key findings

- The modified reverse Yu's flap successfully reconstructed a large upper lip defect in a patient with basal cell carcinoma.
- The anchor flap's design accommodates larger defects while preserving vermilion form using buccal mucosa.
- The technique modification is named 'anchor flap' due to the unique incision line shape.

## Abstract

Various reconstruction methods using local flaps have been reported for upper lip defects. The reverse Yu's flap is a reconstruction method consisting of three flaps including the advancement flap, rotating flap, and mucosal flap. It offers the advantage of low risk of microstomia occurrence because this method restores the form of the vermilion using buccal mucosa as a mucosal flap. Herein, we report the case of a 77-year-old Japanese man who underwent reconstruction using a modified reverse Yu's flap for a defect following the resection of right upper lip basal cell carcinoma. The patient presented with a 4.2×3.5 cm mass on the right upper lip. Resection was planned, and the anticipated defect in the vermilion following resection measured approximately 3.5 cm, making primary closure unfeasible. Thus, the defect was reconstructed using a reversed Yu's flap with minor modifications to accommodate the larger defect. The modifications to the technique are described herein and have been designated as the "anchor flap" due to the characteristic shape of the incision line.