New technical method to correct secondary vermilion deformities with cleft lip

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Cleft lip repair often results in whistling deformities, primarily addressing red lip volume.
• Irregularities of the dry-wet lip junction (mucocutaneous junction) post-cleft lip surgery are frequently overlooked.
• Exposed wet lip tissue leads to poor aesthetics and complications like crusting and bleeding.

Observation:

• A significant aesthetic and functional issue in post-cleft lip repair is the irregular dry-wet lip junction.
• Existing techniques focus on lip volume, neglecting the mucocutaneous border's contour.
• The exposed wet lip presents challenges for patients, impacting both appearance and comfort.

Findings:

• A new, simple M-W-M plasty technique effectively corrects irregular dry-wet lip junctions.
• This technique involves transposing M-W-M flaps from the dry lip borders to the defect after excising the exposed wet lip.
• The procedure results in small dog-ears, inconspicuous scarring within wrinkle lines, and prevention of scar contracture.

Implications:

• This M-W-M plasty offers a valuable solution for improving the aesthetic and functional outcomes of cleft lip repair.
• The technique's simplicity and effectiveness in managing mucocutaneous junction irregularities are significant advancements.
• It provides a method to enhance patient satisfaction by addressing often-neglected aesthetic details and preventing recurrent complications.