Periumbilical Dermal Graft as a Good Option for Volume Enhancement in Secondary Cleft Lip Deformity: A Case Report

Abstract

Volume deficiency and poorly defined cupid's bow of the upper lip are frequently encountered problems in secondary cleft lip deformities. In this report, we present the method of a periumbilical dermal graft for correcting secondary cleft lip deformity. A 17-year-old male patient presented with a poorly defined notching cupid's bow and volume deficiency of the upper lip. He had undergone cleft lip surgery when he was 2 years old. We planned to perform a periumbilical dermal graft. There were sufficient amount of periumbilical subdermis and fat tissue thickness to obtain abundant volume. The periumbilical contour was similar to the natural contour of the lip. Less scarring was expected. There was no need to change the posture during operation, making it easy to harvest. Postoperative evaluations showed vermilion symmetry. Ideal cupid's bow shape and position were achieved without color mismatch. As a result, we obtained an ideal volume of the upper lip. Therefore a periumbilical dermal graft is a good option for correcting volume deficiency of the lip with good aesthetic outcomes.

Keywords

• cleft lip
• dermis
• umbilicus