Abbe flap for reconstruction of severe lip deformity in secondary repair

ABSTRACT

Bilateral cleft lip may induce several anomalies in face, nose and lip that may result cosmetic and functional problems apart from initial good surgery. The purpose of this retrospective study is to better reconstruction of lip anomalies in cleft lip with Abbe flap such as tight upper lip, short prolabium, tight gingivolabial sulcus, irregular lip scars and associated nasal deformities. In this retrospective study a total 20 patients [6-34 years old] with bilateral cleft lip received Abbe flap simultaneous rhinoplasty. The age ranged from 6 to 34 years. The average follow up period was 12 months. Flap was designed approximately 14 mm in length and up to 9 mm in width. After excised the scars from prolabium, flap inserted and lengthening was performed. Except 2 patients, rhinoplasty was carried out with or without cartilage graft for columella, alae and nasal tip. The average follow up period was 12 months. There was no complication in this study such as flap ischemia necrosis and lower lip deformity. Patients were satisfied from facial scar results. Upper lip vermilion bulk and symmetry were corrected and the length of the columella was desirable