Three-dimensional creation of the peak of Cupid’s bow by muscle tension line group reconstruction in secondary cleft lip repair

Abstract

The peak of Cupid’s bow is a unique three-dimensional structure. Traditional reconstructive techniques focus only on the correction of vermillion border malalignment and the vertical discrepancy between Cupid’s bow peaks from a two-dimensional perspective. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel technique – the muscle tension line group reconstruction technique – to recreate the Cupid’s bow peak three-dimensionally in secondary cleft lip repair. With this technique the orbicularis oris muscle is divided into two flaps: a lateral one composed of pars marginalis and a medial one composed of pars peripheralis. The full thickness of the medial flap is sutured to the deep layer of the lateral flap, and the end of the lateral flap is then sutured to the dermis lateral to the philtral dimple to accentuate a depression. In this way, the two muscle flaps exert opposing skin traction on each side of the peak, which improves the vertical height as well as the lateral projection of the Cupid’s bow peak. The postoperative outcomes indicate that this is a reliable technique for three-dimensional restoration of the Cupid’s bow peak, with a stable and natural reconstructive appearance.