Reconstruction of vermilion deficiencies: the running V-flap technique

Notching, or 'whistle deformity', is a common vermilion deformity among patients with cleft lips. Vermilion volume deficiency may also be present secondary to trauma or tumour excision. Herein, we present a new flap model to repair such vermilion deformities. Six patients were included in the study. Running V-flaps prepared from the oral mucosa were used. While the underlying cause of vermilion deficiency was cleft-lip surgery in four of the patients, the indication for surgery was trauma related in two patients. In all patients, the volume deficiency was corrected. No patient exhibited scarring, colour mismatch or asymmetry. We believe that our new flap model can be a reliable alternative in secondary vermilion deficiencies.