One-Stage Reconstruction of Large Upper Vermillion Defects Using a Lower to Upper Bipedicle Axial Cross-Lip Vermillion Flap.

Abstract

Vermilion deformities after intralesional bleomycin A5 injections for hemangiomas of the upper lip have not been rare during the past 2 decades in China. In this article, we summarized our 10 years of experience using a lower to upper axial cross-lip musculomucosal flap with bipedicle lower labial coronary arteries for 1-stage reconstruction of large upper vermillion defects. Based on several years of experience, we also created some modified approaches to achieve satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. From July 2006 to July 2016, a total of 25 patients with moderate and severe vermilion defects of the upper lip were treated with this method at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital. The cosmetic outcomes and complications were reviewed. The overall mean follow-up time was 14.9 months. No patients had infection or hematoma. All the flaps survived, and all the patients were satisfied with the postoperative appearance. Our experience has proven that a lower to upper axial cross-lip musculomucosal flap with bipedicle lower labial coronary arteries is a safe and effective approach for correcting large upper vermillion defects. It is a 1-stage operation for the overall length of upper vermillion reconstruction. This method could improve upper-lip aesthetics and achieve reconstructive goals while avoiding lower-lip deformities.