Aesthetic upper lip reconstruction with vermilion submucosal-pedicle cross-lip flap

The localized cutaneous amyloidosis occurring on the upper lip of a 48-year-old man was surgically treated and aesthetically reconstructed with vermilion submucosal pedicle partial-thickness cross-lip flap. The reconstruction of the upper lip following the tumor resection or trauma with Abbe flap or its modified methods may not be always satisfactory because it leaves parallel scars extending to the free vermilion margin and trapdoor deformity. We considered that the replacement of free margin of the upper vermilion with that of the lower vermilion might be responsible for it. When significant vermilion is lost, some surgeons may discard its free margin additionally or convert this defect to a through-and-through defect for easier repair. We believe that surgeon should preserve a continuity of the free margin of upper-lip if possible. Our modified Abbe flap can be applied for a various defects of the upper lip so far as the free margin of the vermilion can be preserved.