Comparing the effects of V-Y advancement versus simple closure on upper lip aesthetics after Le Fort I advancement

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare upper lip movement and its dimensional changes after maxillary advancement via Le Fort I osteotomy, using V-Y advancement versus simple continuous closure. The study investigates dimensional changes in the superior and inferior portions of the upper lip, as well as changes in lip length, resulting from the procedure. Patients and methods The study group consisted of 35 patients who had undergone 1-piece Le Fort I osteotomy for maxillary advancement of 3 to 6 mm with less than 3 mm of vertical changes. Fixation was performed by rigid monocortical plating. Closure of soft tissue was achieved using V-Y advancement in 17 patients and simple continuous suturing in 18 patients. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken and measured preoperatively and then 6 months after surgery. Results The magnitude of upper lip movement was 88.89% of the maxillary advancement in the simple continuous suturing group and 90.77% in the V-Y advancement group. The superior portion of the upper lip thickened by 2.08 mm and 2.35 mm in the 2 groups, respectively. The inferior portion of the upper lip thickened by −1.94 mm and −1.14 mm, respectively. The upper lip shortened by 0.79 mm in the simple continuous suturing group and lengthened by 1.10 mm in the V-Y advancement group. Conclusions Upper lip movement and dimensional changes differ when simple continuous suturing and V-Y advancement closure are used.