Precision in Upper Lip Reconstructon.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Unlike the eyes and nostrils, the mouth is only one structure centrally located in lower part of face. From cupid bow, the left and right halves are symetrical. Any distortion either post traumatic or congenital is easily noticeable and can be disfiguring. The objective of this work is to carry out precision reconstructive procedures on the upper lip to achieve symetry and minimise the disfigurement.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Two gentlemen were seen with disformity of the upper lip. One had shortening of the left side after a gunshot from a close range and the other patient a case of long right side of upper lip from neglected haemangiomatous lesion. They were operated with precision (measurement) using known anatomic points for reference.
RESULT: Two patients were treated. Both men were public men, one a Church man and other one with gun shot wound deformity, an executive of a fast growing company. The shortening was elongated and the long lip was reduced precisely. Both men were pleased.
CONCLUSION: To achieve perfect symmetry, precise measurement must be used, using the normal side as a standard. Any discrepancy will still produce asymmetry.


Keywords: Upper lip, Precision, Reconstructive surgery, Symmetry

Nigerian Journal of Plastic Surgery Vol. 2 (2) 2006: pp. 11-14