ABSTRACT
Objective To introduce a surgical procedure resulting in less scars for unilateral microform cleft lip.Methods A Z-plasty incision was designed at suffered agger nasi,and then subcutaneours dissection of suffered upper lip and basis nasi was performed.Releasing suffered alar nasi base from maxillary bone by partly severing the mesculus compressor naris,an orbicularis oculi flap was formed and fixed to the hypodermis of columella base for advancing to superior medial position and overlaying orbicularis oculi.The labial frenulum extension and vermillion submucoustissue flap plicature for filling incisura were carried out to correct the deformitiy of vermillion incisura.Results After 6-18 months follow-up,the wounds of 7 cases (aged 7-19 years) healed at the first grade.The deformity of unilateral subcutaneous celft lip,such as the agger nasi and vermillion incisura,widened nostril,and deficient abial height,was significantly improved.Conclusions Unilateral subcutaneous celft lip could be satisfactorily reconstructed by the surgical technique consisting of Z-plasty incision at agger nasi,orbicularis oculi flap advancing,labial frenulum extension and vermillion submucous tissue flap plicature,with less scar formation.