Bilateral Lateral Vermilion Border Transposition Flaps to Correct the “Whistling Lip” Deformity

A Method for Reconstruction of Vermilion Tubercle

“…10 Juri et al 11 modified the technique by increasing the amount of tissue taken laterally so that the flaps can be turned in medially in an effort to increase the thickness of the central zone. Matsuo et al 12 used anteromedially based flaps that were then transposed in the mid-posterior prolabium to decrease lip tension, deepen the labiogingival sulcus, and recreate the tubercle; of course, this had the unfortunate drawback of disrupting the continuity of the orbicularis.…”

The Application of Bilateral Lip Mucosa Flaps in Repairing Upper Vermilion Defects

“…9 Matsuo et al used anteromedially based flaps that were then transposed in the midposterior prolabium to decrease lip tension, deepen the labiogingival sulcus, and recreate the tubercle; of course, this had the unfortunate drawback of disrupting the continuity of the orbicularis. 10 We consider our method to be useful because (1) the technique is simple and safe; (2) it can be used widely in any cases with the central defect of upper lip vermilion; (3) not any, or little, healthy tissue is killed; (4) it can decrease lip tension, deepen the labiogingival sulcus, and recreate the tubercle; (5) the procedure reestablishes continuity of the orbicularis oris muscle and creates a more natural tubercle and central lip element; (6) this method has minimal scar problems, because all of the scars are hidden in the wet lip; and (7) the appearance of the repair is more natural and matches the normal lip well.…”

Correction of Secondary Cleft Lip Deformity: The Whistle Flap Procedure

“…3,[11][12][13] Moderate deficiency may require tissue transfer such as tongue flaps, 14,15 cross-lip vermilion flaps, 16,17 palatal mucosal grafts, 18 island flaps from the lower lip, 19 palmaris longus grafts, 4 or temporoparietal fascial grafts. 20 For severe deficiency, an Abbe flap may be indicated.…”