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Rectangular mucosal flap with artificial dermis grafting for vermilion deformity in cleft lips
S Wakami1, T Harada, M Muraoka
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Asahi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan. wakami@med.osaka-cu.ac.jp
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS
|December 17, 2008
Summary
A novel rectangular mucosal flap technique with artificial dermis offers a simple solution for cleft lip whistling deformity reconstruction. This method avoids primary donor site closure and effectively reconstructs labial thickness without major complications.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
Background:
- Treatment for whistling deformity in cleft lip patients is debated.
- Previous methods for cleft lip reconstruction were volume-limited due to donor site closure requirements.
Observation:
- A new technique uses a rectangular mucosal flap from the upper lip's wet mucosal aspect.
- The flap is advanced sagittally to reconstruct labial thickness, with artificial dermis grafted to the defect.
- This method was applied to 32 cleft lip patients between 2001 and 2005.
Findings:
- The technique is simple and does not require primary closure of the donor site.
- No major complications like flap necrosis or whistling deformity recurrence were observed.
- Four patients needed minor procedures for volume adjustment.
Implications:
- This combined mucosal flap and artificial dermis approach prevents scar contracture and expands volume possibilities.
- The procedure is versatile and reliable for cleft lip whistling deformity and other lip tissue defects.