Precision Dermal Fat Grafting for Vermillion Deficiencies in Patients With Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip.

OBJECTIVE

Deficiencies of the upper lip vermilion occur with some frequency following repair of unilateral and bilateral clefts of the lip and can compromise the aesthetic outcome. The presence of dense scar tissue within the lip at the cleft site as well as intrinsic vermillion deficiencies can make long-lasting correction of this deformity challenging. We describe a technique to address vermillion deficiencies after cleft lip repair.

DESIGN

A novel lip augmentation technique for correction of residual vermilion deficiencies after unilateral and bilateral cleft lip repair is presented. This technique combines precise placement of a contoured dermal fat graft with local tissue (V-Y) rearrangement.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, this method of lip augmentation following either unilateral or bilateral cleft lip repair can restore upper lip vermillion symmetry and provide predictable and durable results in patients with mild to severe vermillion deficiency.