Follow-up of vermilionectomies: evaluation of the technique.

Vermilionectomy is a straightforward technique that provides excellent results, not only in the treatment of solar cheilitis, but also as a prophylactic measure for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lower lip. Well-planned and well-executed, this operation is considered to have no postoperative complications. However, our 12-month follow-up of 52 postvermilionectomy patients revealed interesting features with regard to the contraction of the lip scar, sensitive, functional, and cosmetic disorders, and the prophylactic role of vermilionectomy on SCC of the lip.