What is tongue flap?

The tongue flap is a robust, versatile flap that can be used for reconstruction of oral, pharyngeal, and perioral defects of congenital, traumatic, and ablative origin. The rich blood supply and ease of use make the tongue flap a reliable and predictable reconstructive technique for indicated defects.

What are flaps in mouth?

Hi, The skin flaps you are talking about are may be a little soft tissue overgrowth in mouth. Next Steps. Mostly they don't cause much problems so can be kept as it is. In case when you bite on them, you may get ulcer there, at that time you can apply REXIDINE GEL on that,keep it there for 2 minutes and wash off then.

What is nasolabial flap?

The nasolabial flap is a very simple flap used for reconstruction of intraoral defects in the floor of the mouth [2,3], the tongue, cheek, commissures [4], nose tip, nasal ala, and lower eyelids [5]. The nasolabial flap may be superiorly or inferiorly based.

What is tongue reconstruction?

The ideal tongue reconstructive method, therefore, closes large ablative defects in a watertight fashion that separates the oral cavity from the neck, avoids tethering tongue scars that limit tongue mobility, and restores the innate functions of speech and swallowing by providing sufficient tissue volume.

Will I be able to talk after tongue surgery?

When part of the tongue is removed, it can be hard to speak and be understood by others. The Speech-Language Pathologist will assess your ability to speak clearly. Sometimes people need only a few speech therapy sessions, while others may need to learn other methods to communicate such as computers or gestures.

Tongue Flap

How long does it take to recover from tongue surgery?

Tongue Surgery Postoperative Instructions

Pain will be present for at least 7-14 days following surgery, but it should improve around two weeks following surgery.

How long do skin flaps take to heal?

Keeping the site moist with the above procedures will hasten healing and provide you with the nicest scar possible. Do not wear make up over the incisions or flap until the sutures are removed (or have dissolved), and a thin layer of new skin covers the area. This usually takes 7 to 10 days.

What is a submental flap?

The submental island flap is an axial patterned flap based on the submental artery. The submental artery is a consistent branch of the facial artery. It arises deep to the submandibular gland and may be deep (70%) or superficial (30%) (ref 8a) to the digastric muscle.

What is a glabellar flap?

The glabellar flap is a rotation advancement flap of the glabella to cover wounds up to 2.5 cm. Its blood supply is often described as random axial, but it can be based on the supratrochlear or angular artery in some cases [7].

Why is flap surgery done?

The Goals of Flap Surgery

This allows diseased tissue to be removed from inside the pocket, and provides access to the teeth's root surfaces for a thorough cleaning, which helps to eliminate harmful plaque and calculus (tartar). Afterward, the “flap” is closed, sealing the area.

Why is flap surgery needed?

A flap procedure is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe gum disease, or periodontitis, that has not responded to non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing. This treatment can remove built-up plaque and tartar around the roots and restore the health of gum tissue.

What is a flap plastic surgery?

Flap surgery involves the transfer of a living piece of tissue from one part of the body to another, along with the blood vessels that keep it alive. It may be used for a variety of reasons, including breast reconstruction, open fractures, large wounds, and, in rare cases, for improving a cleft lip and palate.

How does a forehead flap work?

This involves freeing a flap of skin from the forehead, with its own blood supply, and attaching it over the wound on the nose. The flap remains attached until the nose is fully healed. This is usually around 4 weeks. Once the nose has healed, the flap will be separated from the forehead.

Where is glabella?

Your “glabella” is the skin on your forehead, between your eyebrows and above your nose. When you make facial expressions, that skin is moved by the muscles on your forehead.

What is the submental artery?

The submental artery is a branch of the facial artery after it exits from the submandibular gland. It runs over the mylohyoid and below the mandible. It continues either superficial or deep to the anterior belly of the digastric muscle.

What does the submental artery supply?

The submental artery is the largest branch of the facial artery. The vessel supplies the floor of the mouth and sublingual gland while also connecting the circulation of the tongue and the floor of the mouth ^1,3.

What is a radial forearm free flap?

A radial forearm free flap is one way of filling a hole which is left when a cancer has been removed. It is one of the most common ways of replacing tissue in the head and neck, particularly after mouth cancers have been removed.

Should I cut skin flap?

Gently clean the wound with warm clean water. Gently pat dry with a clean towel. If a skin flap is still attached, try to replace it by gently rolling the skin back over the wound. Do not cut the skin flap off.

Where do skin flaps come from?

A skin flap consists of skin and subcutaneous tissue that survives based on its own blood supply. Skin flaps are classified by the source and pattern of that blood supply. The most basic skin flaps are based on the nonspecific, or "random," blood supply of the subdermal plexus.

How much does a skin flap cost?

On average, a skin graft will cost about $18,000. However, the procedure can cost as much as about $28,000. While, of course, one would hope that a victim has quality health insurance that would cover these expenses, many people may find that they will have to bear these expenses out of pocket.

Can you swallow after tongue surgery?

Due to the pain and difficulty swallowing, you will likely only be able to tolerate a liquid/soft diet (Ensure, Smoothies...) for the first few days after surgery. Make sure you have a good intake of fluids and avoid dehydration.

What can you eat after tongue surgery?

For 2 days after surgery, drink liquids and eat soft foods only. Such as milkshakes, eggnog, yo- gurt, cooked cereals, cottage cheese, smooth soups, mashed potatoes, refried beans, ice cream, pudding, fruit smoothies and protein shakes.

What type of doctor does tongue surgery?

Mayo Clinic head and neck surgeons have extensive experience treating tongue cancer. Surgeons often partner with pathologists, who analyze tissue during surgery to make sure all of the cancer has been removed. Approaches used during tongue cancer surgery may include: Transoral surgery.

What is flap failure?

Late flap failure was defined as failure occurring after postoperative day 7 or on follow-up visits after hospital discharge.

How do you take care of a forehead flap?

During the first 48 hours after surgery please follow the ice pack instructions. Use ice packs on the eyes and forehead to reduce swelling and increase comfort. Apply these to either side of the nose; but do not place directly on the flap (the horn of tissue extending from the forehead to the nose).