Augmentation of the free border of the lip in cleft lip patients using temporoparietal fascia.
Deficiency of the free border of the lip is frequently encountered in secondary cleft lip deformities. The free border of the lip consists of the orbicularis oris marginalis muscle and its overlying subcutaneous tissue, vermilion, and mucosa. The pathology may involve any or all of these components. When there is an absolute shortage of subcutaneous tissue or orbicularis oris marginalis muscle, extra tissue from another source must be used for augmentation. A temporoparietal fascial graft is a simple and reliable method to increase the fullness of the free border of the lip. The tissue is soft in consistency and displays minimal resorption. Most important, more complicated procedures such as an Abbé flap or tongue flap may be avoided. From July of 1988 until June of 1992, the temporoparietal fascial graft was used successfully to correct deficiencies of the free border of the lip in 20 patients with cleft lip deformities. There were two graft exposures that healed with conservative treatment. The procedure is a useful method of augmenting both lateral lip and central lip deficiencies in secondary and tertiary cleft lip deformities.