Lower lip pits with sinus tracts in Van der Woude syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

In Van der Woude syndrome (VWS), a rare congenital disease, lower lip pits (LLPs) can cause an aesthetically significant deformity. Surgical treatment of LLPs is necessary if they cause recurrent inflammation or aesthetic problems. Intraoperatively, surgeons should keep in mind the possibility of deep extension of the sinus tract and the relative deficiency of the midline in VWS, which increases the risk of lip disfigurement. Herein, we emphasize the importance of using a tissue-preserving technique to improve aesthetic results in VWS patients with a sinus tract.