Correction of secondary cleft-lip nasal deformity by using Abbe flap: Report of 4 cases

Ryu, Sun Youl; Kim, Tae Hee; Hwang, Ung; Koo, Hong; Kwon, Jun Kyung; An, Jin Suk; Park, Hong Ju

Abstract

Radical paring of the cleft edge during primary cleft lip operation or repeated secondary surgeries can result in tightness of the upper lip. In case, the degree of the resulting side-to-side tension is very severe, the possibility of a lip switch flap must be considered. When the lip tightness accompanies a loss of more than two-thirds of the Cupid's bow, an Abbe flap is an alternative. The disadvantages of Abbe flap are scar formation on the lower lip, design of incision line on the upper lip, disharmony of colors, and the dysfunction of the orbicularis muscle. These problems have been recognized in the literature and extreme discretion has been advised in its application. We experienced four cases of Abbe flap operation which were designed differently to correct the secondary unilateral or bilateral cleft-lip nasal deformities. The Abbe flap operations resulted in removal of the scars and tightness of the upper lip, reconstruction of the Cupid's bow, lengthening of the columella, and therefore secondary cleft-lip nasal deformity could be corrected. It is thought that carefully applied Abbe flap is an appropriate method to relieve horizontal tightness or flattening of the upper lip which occured after primary operation of cleft lip.