Abbe Flap to Correct Tight Upper Lip Resulting from Secondary Deformities of Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip

ABSTRACT

An Abbe cross-lip flap can be used when there is a deficiency of upper lip tissue and a disproportion between the upper and lower lip. This flap is particularly useful when reproduction of a central fullness or pout in the upper lip is desired. It should be designed to mimic the missing or deformed philtrum. A total of 21 cases of tight upper lip resulting from secondary deformities of unilateral and bilateral cleft lip were treated using the Abbe cross-lip flap(11 cases were unilateral and 10 cases were bilateral). In conclusion, advantages of Abbe cross-lip flap are as followings 1)It is very efficacious to correct the tight upper lip 2)Widening of upper lip and simultaneous narrowing of lower lip can correct a disproportion between the upper and lower lip. 3)Central flap can recreate a philtrum like effect. 4)There was no significant scar problems in lower lip donor site. 5)In case of combined maxillary retrusion, best results were obtained after orthodontic and/or orthognatic treatment.