Vermilion Construction by "Tongue-in-Groove" Technique in Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair

ABSTRACT

A notching deformity of the vermilion is one of the most common secondary lip deformities following unilateral cleft lip repair. It is due to inadequate approximation of the orbicularis marginalis muscle, vertical scar contracture, and inappropriate adjustment and suturing of the vermilion. During the primary repair, symmetric construction of vermilion is difficult. This is because the thickness and shape of the vermilion is different on both sides of the cleft. To prevent notching deformity of the vermilion, authors designed the incision line such as Tongue-in-Groove on the vermilion and has been utilizing this technique for the last several years and obtained quite satisfactory results. Hereby we present the technique and result.