Incorporation of the W-plasty in repair of macrostomia.
Macrostomia is an uncommon deformity, the features of which have been outlined. The importance of accurate preoperative marking of the normal landmarks and three-layered repair are stressed. Our technique combines triangular mucosal flaps at the commissure, reconstruction of the oral and buccal musculature, and skin closure using a W-plasty. This skin closure results in a less conspicuous scar while still preventing lateral drift of the commissure. We feel this is an effective surgical procedure that yields consistent clinical results.
D006801:Humans; D008265:Macrostomia / Q000196:embryology / Q000601:surgery*; D009055:Mouth / Q000601:surgery*