ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the value of the new method with bilateral lip mueosa flaps for central defect reconstruction of upper-lip vermilion. Methods On both sides of the central defect of upper lip vermilion, reverse triangular flaps was designed below the junction between vermilion and mucosal. These two flaps had the common pedicle of vermilion depression site. Incisions of "(λ)" shape were de-signed below the defect area and the flaps included mucosa and submucous tissue. This mueosa flaps were raised and orbicularis otis muscles under the flaps were free moderately. Bilateral orbicularis oris muscles were sutured under the common pedicle of the two mucosa flaps. Then the bilateral mucosa flaps were ro-tated down 90° and inserted into the " (λ)" shape incisions to increase the tissue volume of the middle upper lip and deepen the labiogingival sulcus. The common pediele of the bilateral mucosa flaps was formed to the vermilion tubercle and then the incisions were sutured layer by layer. Results The technique was per-formed on 26 patients including 18 cases of upper-lip vermilion defect after repair of bilateral cleft lip,4 ca-ses of upper-lip vermilion defect after repair of unilateral cleft lip and 4 cases of congenital malformation. All the lip mucosa flaps survived completely without any complications. The vermilion, tubercle and shape of the lips were satisfactory after all cases were repaired and all incision scars were concealed. Con-clusions Using the lip mucosa flaps transfer to repair vermilion defect with the same tissue can obtain satisfactory appearance. The lip mucosa flaps are ideal for repairing of the lip vermilion defect and recove-ring of the profile of labial arch and vermilion tubercle. It can be used widely in any cases with the central defect of upper lip vermilion.