Free Fascia Flap For Whistling Deformity After Cleft Lip Repair
To explore the application of free fascia flap in the repair of whistling deformity following bilateral cleft lip repair. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a series of patients who underwent repair of whistling deformity using free fascia flaps. The fascia flaps were harvested from the temporal region and tailored to fit the defect in the upper lip. The surgical procedure involved precise dissection, placement, and suturing of the fascia flap to restore the natural contour of the lip, including the philtrum and Cupid's bow. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated based on aesthetic appearance, lip function, and patient satisfaction. The use of free fascia flap demonstrated significant improvement in both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Patients exhibited a more natural appearance of the upper lip, with enhanced symmetry and improved lip function. The fascia flap provided adequate tissue bulk to correct the deformity while maintaining good blood supply and minimizing scarring. No major complications such as infection or dehiscence were observed in the study population. The application of free fascia flap in the repair of whistling deformity following bilateral cleft lip repair is a valuable surgical approach. It provides a reliable method to restore the natural contour and function of the upper lip, with minimal donor site morbidity and good long-term outcomes.
Authors
- Cuimei Zhang
- Junwei Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0248-3922)
- Xuecai Yang
Institutions
- Qingdao University (CN)
- Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- International Dental Journal
- Published
- 2025-10-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2025.105876
- Primary Topic
- Facial Rejuvenation and Surgery Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00