Vermilionectomy for Actinic Cheilitis Treatment-Report of 03 Cases and Brief Literature Review

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a common potentially malignant disorder that primarily affects the lower lip due to chronic ultraviolet B exposure. Severe epithelial dysplasia in AC carries a significant risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma, necessitating definitive treatment. Vermilionectomy is considered the treatment of choice in high-risk lesions, offering both functional and aesthetic restoration. This study reports the clinical outcomes of three cases of AC with severe dysplasia treated via vermilionectomy. Three patients (two males, one female) with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of AC exhibiting severe epithelial dysplasia underwent vermilionectomy under local anesthesia. Surgical management involved excision of the affected vermilion to the muscular plane, hemostasis with electrocautery, and advancement of labial mucosa for reconstruction, followed by suture closure with 4-0 nylon. Postoperative recovery, complications, and aesthetic outcomes were assessed. All patients demonstrated complete healing without evidence of malignant transformation. Therefore, vermilionectomy is an effective and reliable treatment for AC with severe epithelial dysplasia, providing low recurrence rates and favorable functional and aesthetic outcomes. These cases reinforce the role of vermilionectomy as the definitive treatment for high-risk AC lesions.