A simple reconstruction for congenital unilateral lower lip palsy.
BACKGROUND
Congenital unilateral lower lip palsy or congenital hypoplasia of the depressor anguli oris muscle, also known as asymmetric crying facies, characterized by deformity of the lower lip, lacks aggressive surgical intervention methods. Although several dynamic and static reconstruction methods have been reported, textbooks introduce only passive surgical intervention, of weakening the unaffected side through techniques such as selective marginal mandibular neurectomy which, however, tends to produce lack of emotive movement. Therefore, a new surgical intervention for the reconstructive treatment of asymmetric crying facies is presented.


METHODS
A bidirectional (horizontal and vertical) fascia was grafted to restore the aesthetic appearance of the asymmetric lower lip. The horizontal fascial strip achieves restoration of the center of the lower lip to its proper position, whereas the vertical fascial strip achieves aesthetic symmetry of the lower lip at mouth opening. Each end of the vertical strip is anchored to the lower lip and the mandibular bone, respectively, thereby allowing simultaneous movement of the mandible and lower lip.


RESULTS
The reconstruction of unilateral lower lip palsy has been successfully performed on seven patients, with ages ranging from 2 years 9 months to 11 years 1 month, since June of 1996.


CONCLUSIONS
The aim of this procedure is not to achieve complete dynamic reanimation. However, with regard to its simplicity and minimal invasiveness and the satisfaction of the patients, it is considered to be a well-balanced surgical intervention.
Udagawa
Akikazu
A
Chiba and Kagoshima, Japan From the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Chiba University Hospital, and the Divisions of Plastic Surgery of Imakiire Hospital, Kawatetsu Chiba Hospital, and Chiba Children's Hospital.
Arikawa
Kouzou
K
Shimizu
Sara
S
Suzuki
Hiroyuki
H
Matsumoto
Humiaki
H
Yoshimoto
Shinya
S
Ichinose
Masaharu
M
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008047:Lip Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010243:Paralysis / Q000151:congenital / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome