Labial Flange Research Articles

The problem of management of the premaxilla and prolabium in cleft palate patients

Lip surgery should meet three criteria, that of minimal scar, minimal nasal deformity and fullness to the lip. This can be accomplished by preserving the inferior vermilion and mucosa of the prolabium. A V-Y columella construction can be performed, followed by a secondary repair of the lip and rhinoplastic procedures. The premaxilla can be stabilized when the Vomer turnovers are done at approximately one and a half to two years of age or they can be ignored and partially resected in adulthood. A skin graft ridge extension is useful in freeing an attached lip and allowing the seating of a denture with a labial flange.