• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.210-216
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• 2017

Background In treating minor-form or microform cleft lip, obtaining an optimal result is a challenge because of the visible scarring caused by traditional surgery. We present a refined method using muscle overlapping with a minimal skin incision in patients younger than 3 years, a group characterized by thin muscle. Methods The surgical technique involves restoration of the notched vermillion using Z-plasty, formation of the philtral column using overlapping of an orbicularis oris muscle flap through an intraoral incision, and correction of the cleft lip nasal deformity using a reverse-U incision and V-Y plasty. A single radiologist evaluated ultrasonographic images of the upper lip. Results Sixty patients were treated between September 2008 and June 2014. The age at the time of operation ranged from 6 to 36 months (mean, 26 months). The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 38 months (mean, 20 months) in minor-form cases and from 14 to 64 months (mean, 37 months) in microform cases. A notched cupid's bow was corrected in 10 minor-form cases and 50 microform cases. Ultrasonographic images were obtained from 3 patients with minor-form cleft lip and 9 patients with microform cleft lip 12 months after surgery. The average muscle thickness was 4.5 mm on the affected side and 4.1 mm on the unaffected side. Conclusions The advantages of the proposed procedure include the creation of an anatomically natural philtrum with minimal scarring. This method also preserves the continuity and function of the muscle and provides sufficient augmentation of the philtral column and nostril sill.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.107-110
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• 2010

Purpose: Chondroid syringoma is a rare mixed tumor of the skin that was first described by Hirsch and Helwig (1961). Characteristically, it is composed of the proliferation of epithelial cells in a myxoid and chondroid matrix. Most lesions occur on the head and neck region, and their size may range from 0.5~3 cm. Since a chondroid syringoma presents similar characteristics to other masses on the head and neck region, it is significantly important to distinguish with other masses by a surgical biopsy. Methods: A 51-year old woman presented with a painless nodular mass ($0.5{\times}0.5{\times}0.5cm$) on the philtrum, which appeared during the previous year. The mass was treated with a laser without a surgical biopsy. However, the size of the mass showed no changes. Surgical excision under local anesthesia was performed and sent for histopathology. Results: Gross examination showed a mass surrounded by a well developed capsule within the dermal layer. After complete excision without injury to the orbicularis oris muscle, the wound was covered with a local flap. The histology examination revealed numerous cuboid epithelial cells with tuboalveolar structures and keratinous cysts within a chondroid stroma. No recurrence or metastasis was observed at the follow-up visits. Conclusion: Chondroid syringoma is a rare mass on the face. An accurate diagnosis is essential for optimal treatment. This paper reports a case of a chondroid syringoma on the philtrum with a brief review of the relevant literature.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.3-12
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• 2018

Background: Millard's rotation-advancement repair, which is used by many surgeons, can make a natural philtral column, but most surgeons use a modification of the rotation-advancement flap. The purpose of this article is to introduce a modification utilized by the authors and to provide detailed surgical procedure. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 82 patients' medical records and presented surgical technique and outcomes. The main features of the authors' strategy are emphasizing horizontal length of the lip, orbicularis oris muscle duplication for improving the definition of the philtral column, overcorrection of domal portion than the non-cleft side in order to compensate for the recurrence during growth. Two judges rated two times the appearance of the patients' nose and lip using Asher-McDade aesthetic index. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were determined using Cohen's kappa statistics. Results: All patients recovered eventually after surgery; however, two patients have a minor complications (wound infection in one patient, wound disruption due to trauma in the other patient). The improvement of the aesthetic results can be achieved with this modified Millard technique. Total mean scores of the Asher-McDade index was 2.08, fair to good appearance. The intraobserver reliabilities were substantial to almost perfect agreement and the interobserver reliabilities were moderate to almost perfect agreement. Conclusion: We modified Millard method for repair of complete unilateral cleft lip. The surgical outcomes were favorable in long-term follow-up. We hope our technique will serve as a guide for those new to the procedure.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.401-406
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• 1999

Secondary deformities of the lip and nose in individuals with repaired unilateral and bilateral clefts may vary in severity, depending on the state of the original defect, the care taken in the initial surgical procedure, the pattern of the patient's facial growth, and the effectiveness of interceptive orthodontic technique. Because each patient has a unique combination of deformities, their surgical reconstruction usually requires the modification and combination of several surgical techniques. Residual lip deformities after primary repair may be esthetic or functional and include scars, skin shortage or excess(vertical and transverse), orbicularis oris muscle malposition or diastasis. The key to accurate repair of secondary cleft lip deformities is a precise diagnosis. This requires observation of the patient in animation and repose. The quality of the scar is not the only factor determining the overall appearance of the lip. Observing the patient in the animated position is critical to assess muscular function. Factors that require precise analysis include lip length, the appearance of the Cupid's bow and philtrum, and nasal symmetry. Only after this detailed analysis can a decision be made as to wether a major or minor deformity exists. We report successful cases using various techniques for the secondary lip deformities.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.176-180
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• 2007

Purpose: Pitanguy conducted a series of anatomical studies on "dermocartilaginous ligament" of the nose. However, information on its structure is as yet insufficient, especially in terms of its origin, insertion, and relationships with surrounding tissues. In addition, some of the histologic findings described by Pitanguy are controversial. The present study was undertaken to clarify the anatomy of the "dermocartilaginous ligament". Methods: Sixteen cadaver noses were examined macroscopically and histologically to determine the presence, origin, insertion, composition, and relationship of the "dermocartilaginous ligament" with surrounding structures. Results: The structure originated from the deep layer of the transverse nasalis muscle and terminated at the caudal edge of the septal cartilage in all 16 cadavers. However, in three cadavers the insertion extended to the orbicularis oris muscle. No direct connection was found between the structure and dermis of dorsal nasal skin. The dermocartilaginous ligaments were mainly composed of a condensation of thin collagen bundles, which were interwoven and without any regular orientation. Elastic fibers were also present in small numbers, and there were few amorphous ground substances. Neither muscle fibers nor chondrocytes was identified within dermocartilaginous ligaments. Conclusion: Our macroscopic and histologic findings of the structure do not support the use of the term "dermocartilaginous ligament". According to its origin, insertion, and histologic findings, we recommend that this structure be referred to as the "median musculocartilaginous fascia".

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.485-489
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• 2011

Purpose: Median cleft of upper lip is defined as any congenital vertical cleft through the midline of the upper lip. It is uncommon, its embryological pathogenesis remains unexplained to date. The authors hereby report a rare case of median cleft of the upper lip associated with enlarged frenulum and palatal mass. This case offers some understanding of the possible embryologic development of this anomaly. Methods: A 10-month-old boy born by normal vaginal delivery at full-term had a notch in the midline of the upper lip with widened philtrum along with enlarged median frenulum, alveolar cleft, and mass of the hard palate. We performed en bloc resection of the enlarged frenulum and palatal mass and cheiloplasty under general anesthesia. Results: Histological examination revealed that the frenulum and palatal mass was consisted of fibrous tissue with normal mucous membrane. The postoperative course was satisfactory. Conclusion: A rare case of median cleft of the upper lip with associated enlarged frenulum and palatal mass was presented with proper surgical management. The surgical technique includes marginal excision of the clefted epithelium and reconstruction of orbicularis oris muscle, in addition to en bloc resection of the palatal mass and frenulotomy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2019

Background Various surgical techniques have been used to correct Tessier number 7 craniofacial cleft, which involves macrostomia, ear deformity, and hemifacial microsomia. To achieve symmetrical and satisfactory results in patients with macrostomia, the authors performed a 1-mm medial overcorrection on the cleft side and evaluated the results of this procedure. Methods A retrospective medical record review of patients diagnosed with Tessier number 7 craniofacial cleft from March 1999 to February 2017 was performed. Using clinical photographs, outpatient clinic records, and operative records, information was recorded regarding concurrent congenital anomalies, postoperative complications, and follow-up. Using Photoshop CS2, the length of both sides of the lip was compared. The ratio of these lengths was calculated to evaluate lip symmetry. Results Of the patients treated at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, 11 (male-to-female sex ratio, 7:4) were diagnosed with Tessier number 7 craniofacial cleft. Concurrent congenital anomalies included skin tag, hemifacial microsomia, and cleft palate. The mean duration of follow-up was $78.273{\pm}72.219$ months and the mean ratio of the lengths of both sides of the lip was $1.048{\pm}0.071$. Scar widening occurred as a postoperative complication in some patients. No cases of wound infection, bleeding, or wound dehiscence occurred. Conclusions For the successful correction of macrostomia, plastic surgeons should consider both functional and aesthetic problems of the lip. Adequate repair of the orbicularis oris muscle, skin closure with Z-plasty, and medial overcorrection of the neo-oral commissure led to good results in our patients.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.348-355
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• 2006

Tennison was the first to recognize and to preserve the Cupid's bow by lowering the peak in the margin of the cleft. Randall had modified the Tennison's repair based on accurate measurements. Bardach's technique evolved from the basic concept of triangular flap cleft lip repair described by Tennison-Randall method. Precise measurements are used to define the dimensions of the equilateral triangular flap, which is created on the cleft side and is inserted into an equilateral triangular defect on the noncleft side. Two symmetrical vertical distances on either side of the cleft are thus formed. It is essential that the incisions in the skin correspond precisely with those on the muscles and mucosa, and that all layers are sutured with the use of the triangular flap, thus preventing vertical scar contracture. This procedure produces a symmetric, balance lip with a well-defined Cupid's bow, a symmetric vermilion, and a properly aligned orbicularis oris muscle. We had treated three patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip by using Bardach's triangular flap method. The operation scars could be reduced comparing to Millard method because Bardach's method did not use the columella base and the alar base incision. And the flap design was more simple and accurate comparing to Tennison-Randall method. On the other hand, the postoperative scars on the philtrum pointed as a disadvantage of triangular flap method were cosmetically acceptable because the three patients had incomplete cleft lip. We have experienced that Bardach's triangular flap is a recommendable technique for the repair of unilateral incomplete cleft lip.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.747-754
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• 2011

Purpose: The Abbe flap procedure has been used to correct disharmony of the upper and lower lips as well as for making a philtrum for patients with secondary cleft lip deformities. But the Abbe flap procedure adds two scars in addition to the prior operative scar on the upper lip. This study was conducted to determine the treatment outcomes of esthetic subunit excision of the scar on the philtrum and Abbe flap coverage for correction of cleft lip deformities with photogrammetric analysis. Methods: This study investigated a total of 11 patients with cleft lip deformities who underwent scar excision with Abbe flap coverage, and the patients were followed up for at least 6 months. Under general anesthesia, a mushroom-shaped Abbe flap was drawn on the lower lip with a width of 8 mm and a height 1~2 mm longer than that of the philtral midline. The epidermis and dermis of the scar on the upper lip were excised. In the cases with alar base depression, the orbicularis oris muscle was split vertically and transposed to the alar base. The Abbe flap was harvested as a pedicled flap containing a small amount of muscle and this was rotated 180-degree to be inserted into the upper lip. Mucosa, muscle, subcutaneous tissue and skin were closed in layers. The flap was divided at the 7~14 postoperative day. The postoperative outcomes were evaluated by using photogrammetric analysis. Three indices were measured from the standard clinical photographs taken before and after the surgery. For anthroposcopic assessment, observers described the postoperative outcomes using an ordinary scale method. Results: The postoperative values obtained in the photogrammetric analysis showed improvement as compared with the preoperative ones. Improved anthroposcopic outcomes were also noted. Conclusion: Scar excision and Abbe flap coverage were proven to be effective in improving protrusion and the height of the upper lip, the scar of the upper lip and the symmetry of Cupid's bow and the philtral column, as well as formation of the philtral dimple.

• Korean Journal of Cleft Lip And Palate
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 2006

Although the delayed type of rhinoplasty is currently acceptable in the correction of cleft lip and nasal deformity, Delaire tried to achieve the simultaneous nasolabial reconstruction and muscular rearrangement that affect the subsequent skeletal growth of the face. the anatomic muscular reconstruction can be achieved by making the anchorage of the nasolabial muscles of the cleft side to the nasal septum and muscles on the non-cleft side. Two cleft lip patients of 6 and 7 year-old without any previous operation history were treated with the functional cheilorhinoplasty. One patient with incomplete cleft lip underwent a cheiloplasty along with the rearrangement of orbicularis oris muscle. The other patient had a complete cleft lip and palate with accompanying nasal deformity, who underwent the functional cheilorhinoplasty with the reconstruction of anterior nasal base. All the operation was done under the general anesthesia and patients healed without any significant complications. In the incomplete case, the shapes of Cupid's bow was restored, and the length of columella was regained comparable to the non-affected side. In the complete cleft lip and palate case, the depressed nostril was reconstructed with acceptable symmetry by complete releasing of deformed alar cartilage undermined with a dissecting scissors. In summary, the functional repair of cleft lip and nose could be possible at the same time by using Delaire method. This method is effective to correct the primary nasolabial deformity, which results in the restoring favorable anatomy and its function.