Reconstruction of the vermilion after "lip-shave"

During the year 1986, 12 "lip-shave" defects were reconstructed using orbicularis oris myomucosal flaps, in the Northern Ireland Plastic and Maxillo-Facial Service. Three of these were extended lip-shaves. The planning of a V-Y plasty for myomucusal advancement is described and some representative results are shown. We feel that the myomucosal advancement flap is a valuable technique to overcome some of the problems in reconstruction of the vermilion after lip-shave.