Comparative Aesthetic Evaluation of Lip Reconstruction Using Abbe's Flap in Secondary Cleft Lip Deformities: A Retrospective Study

Aim To objectively evaluate the surgical outcome of deformed cleft lip treated by Abbe's flap using Digimizer image analysis software. Methods Fifteen Abbe's flap (AF) reconstruction cases with satisfactory photographic records were acquired in Digimizer image analysis software. Anthropometric landmarks were marked on the lip. Bilateral lip lengths, height and width were measured preoperatively and postoperatively after AF reconstruction for comparison. Results It was observed that by AF reconstruction, we could increase vermillion lip length and Cupid's bow width, hence providing adequate bulk to the middle of the lip. In addition to it, in some cases we could achieve the acceptable anatomy of the centre of the Cupid's bow with which it was sometimes disturbed during primary cheiloplasty. Lip length and lip height became proportionately equal bilaterally, leading to adequate lip symmetry in all cases. Conclusion Computer-assisted anthropometric analysis of photographs using Digimizer image analysis software (MedCalc Software, Belgium) demonstrates that AF lip reconstruction technique produces aesthetic lip consistently.