Bipedicled axial cross-lip flap for correction of major vermilion deficiency after cleft lip repair.

Vermilion irregularities are common secondary deformities after cleft lip repair. Particularly severe in bilateral clefts, vermilion deficiency attracts considerable attention and detracts from an otherwise excellent lip repair. Minor and moderate vermilion deficits can be corrected with upper lip advancement, rotation flaps, tongue flaps, or grafts. Major defects defy correction with local flaps, because of an absolute shortage of upper-lip tissue. A technique is described for correction of large absolute tissue deficits of the upper-lip vermillion using a bipedicled lower to upper cross-lip visor flap. A lower lip wet vermilion/mucosal flap is based bilaterally near the commissures on the coronary arteries and transferred to a releasing incision at the wet/dry vermilion border of the upper lip. The commissural pedicles are divided and inset at a second stage 10 days later to complete the transfer. The procedure provides ample bulk and lining for major upper-lip vermilion augmentation and tubercle reconstruction without disturbing the obicularis oris muscular oral sphincter. In addition it balances the lips and allows for feeding. The technique is illustrated in two patients with major upper-lip vermilion defects after repair of bilateral cleft lips.