This lovely lady had a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the left upper lip which require surgical removal and repair. This was achieved with an island flap repair which is a technique in which an “island” of skin is brought up from inferiorly and “inset” into the area where the cancer has been removed (essentially creating a Y-shaped scar). Whilst appearances can be initially quite alarming, sufficient time sees the scars fading so as to be almost imperceptible. The important thing is that the contour of the skin is preserved and the colour and consistency are an excellent match. Moreover, the lip is not distorted in any way, as tension is redistributed in the wound to avoid any tension on adjacent anatomical structures. The result is a happy patient with a beautiful outcome and cancer-free clear margins all round.

(images published with patient conset)