Abbe and estlander flaps

The Abbe and Estlander flaps are useful in the reconstruction of large, full-thickness upper or lower lip defects. Such defects may be the result of trauma, excision of neoplasm or other. The Abbe flap is designed towards the middle of the lip, while the Estlander flap is designed around the commissure. Smaller defects generally do not require such an extensive reconstructive option. The Abbe flap is particularly well suited to reconstruct the distinct anatomy of the philtral columns. It may be rotated from the lower lip to the upper lip or vice versa. In either case, it is based on the labial artery, which runs close to the border of the lip. It is performed as a two-stage reconstruction in which the flap is rotated at one stage and divided weeks later at another.