Reconstruction of Macrocheilia on the Lower Lip Through Bilateral Limited Excision and a Stepwise Single-Stage Approach (BLESS)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The surgical management of macrocheilia secondary to port-wine stains is complicated. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to propose an innovative method for treating macrocheilia on the lower lip. METHODS Patients who underwent the reconstruction of macrocheilia on the lower lip through the innovative approach were examined. Their preoperative and postoperative standard photographs were taken to evaluate the changes in lip length and thickness. The scores on Vancouver scar scale (VSS) and visual analog scale (VAS) were evaluated. RESULTS Thirty-two patients who underwent the reconstruction of macrocheilia were examined. A follow-up of 12.2 months (6–36 months) was conducted. The lower lip contour and the mentolabial groove were reconstructed to normal appearance. The lip length was shortened from 5.38 ± 0.49 cm pretreatment to 4.59 ± 0.30 cm posttreatment (p = .016). The exposed vermilion was shortened from 2.05 ± 0.48 cm to 1.26 ± 0.12 cm posttreatment (p < .01). The mean VSS and VAS scores were 2.2 ± 1.5 and 8.4 ± 1.3, respectively. CONCLUSION The bilateral limited excision and stepwise single-stage approach were safe and effective for reconstructing prominent macrocheilia on the lower lip. The technique was also easy to command for the beginners.