The myomucosal vertical Z-plasty in secondary cleft lip surgery: a novel technique for correction of the whistle deformity.

Abstract

To describe a novel technique for repair of the whistle deformity in secondary cleft lip surgery. Three patients who presented with a whistle deformity as a sequela of cleft lip surgery and underwent a novel myomucosal vertical Z-plasty tissue transposition at a tertiary academic medical center with a certified craniofacial center were retrospectively reviewed. Photodocumentation provides a measure of the aesthetic results. In the 3 patients, the technique was performed and the whistle deformity corrected such that the free margins of the lips were in full contact with the lips in a neutral resting position. No perioperative or postoperative complications were encountered. A novel myomucosal vertical Z-plasty transposition should be added to the tools available to the cleft surgeon for addressing this common defect.