Enhancing the vermilion in adult secondary cleft lip repair with a continuous V plasty without closure of the donor defect-a case series

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to describe a modification to an old method to enhance the vermillion in adult cleft patients. We present ten consecutive patients who requested enhancement of the upper lip vermillion. The technique involves a continuous V plasty within the non-visible mucosa to elevate the vermillion. Each V incision is of a different size to match the defect. Then the V flaps are sutured to one another but the donor defect is left open to epithelialise. Adjunctive procedures are possible at the same time. There were no major complications but one patient was over corrected and needed reduction of mucosa. The technique offers a permanent enhancement of the vermillion and is a safe alternative to other methods of lip augmentation including fillers.

Keywords: Cleft lip; Lip augmentation; Secondary surgery; V-plasty.