PROCEDURES


PROCEDURES


Client Testimonial

When I saw Dr. Khosh to discuss repair of my lip after cancer removal, I was very impressed with his professionalism and kindness. The surgery for reconstruction was a wonderful success. I am amazed at what Dr. Khosh accomplished in restoring my lip.

Monica J. - Brooklyn, NY

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Your lips are one of the most expressive parts of you face. Happiness, sorrow, and every emotion in between are conveyed through this intricate structure. More importantly, fully functional lips are a pre-requisite for normal speech and swallowing. Patients with abnormalities or deficits in their lips gain invaluable improvement with expertly performed lip reconstruction.

Many conditions can result in the need for lip repair: congenital malformations, trauma, facial nerve paralysis, or removal of cancerous lesions. Children born with congenital abnormalities such as a cleft lip need surgical repair within the first few months of life. Secondary cosmetic improvements of the lip can be performed when the child is older. Individuals with trauma to their lips, such as lacerations or dog bites, must be treated expeditiously.

Facial paralysis interferes with speech, swallowing, and the ability to manage oral secretions. These functional losses exacerbate the psychological impact of facial paralysis. In patients with cancer involvement of the lip, reconstruction needs to be an integral part of overall management.

Dr. Khosh is expert in addressing lip deformities due to any cause. He will take time to explain various options, which may be available for repair of a lip deformity. He has unmatched experience in tissue transfer techniques to restore lip function. In more minor defects, Dr. Khosh uses simpler techniques to restore the aesthetic appearance of the lip.

  • 2010 Patients' Choice Award
  • 2008-2009 & 2010-2011 Best Doctor List.
  • Past President of New York Facial Plastic Surgery Society.
  • Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University.
  • Past Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at Columbia Univeristy.
  • Founding Member of new York Head & Neck Institute.
  • Affiliate Member of Vascular Birthmarks Institute of New York.
  • 2001 Columbia University Maxwell Abramson Teaching Award.

Case Study

This 72-year-old gentleman requested consultation for repair of a defect that involved one half of the upper lip following removal of a basal cell cancer. The defect was repaired with bilateral advancement flaps.

  • Patient: 72 year old male candidate for upper lip repair
  • Problem: 1.5-inch defect comprising one half of the upper lip
  • Procedure: Bilateral advancement flaps for repair of upper lip

FAQS

What kind of anesthesia is used during lip reconstruction?
This is dependant on the nature of reconstruction. Small procedures for lip reconstruction such as local flaps and direct closure can be performed as an office procedure under local anesthesia. More complicated procedures involving large lip defects commonly require sedation or general anesthesia in an operating room.
What can be done for "Whistler lip" deformity?
Whistle lip deformity is a central notching of the upper lip following repair of a cleft lip, or following repair of a central upper lip defect. It is due to missing soft tissue. Repair can be accomplished with small local flaps, or with injection of filler agents such as Restylane or Juvederm.
What is an Abbe Estelander flap for repair of a lip defect?
The Abbe Estelander flap is a lip switch technique in which a defect of the upper lip is repaired with tissue borrowed from the lower lip, and vice versa. It is ideal for lip defects that involve more than half of the lip. The Abbe Estelander flap is performed in two stages that are separated by two or more weeks.
What is a Karapandnzic flap for lip reconstruction?
When a lip defect involves more that 75% of the lip, the Karapandnzic flap can be used for repair. Circular flaps from around the mouth are used to repair the defect. The Karapandnzic flap preserves the nerve and vascular supply of the residual lip, and allows immediate lip sunction.
What is a Karapandnzic flap for lip reconstruction?
The Karapandnzic flap can be used for lip repair when the defect is greater than 75% of the lip. Circular flaps from around the mouth are used to repair the defect. The Karapandnzic flap preserves the nerve and vascular supply of the residual lip, and allows immediate lip function.

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