Vertical suture plication of the orbicularis oris muscle: a simple procedure for the correction of unilateral marginal mandibular nerve paralysis.

Injury to the marginal mandibular nerve is present as an adverse outcome in many surgical procedures. The resultant cosmetic deficit, manifesting lower lip asymmetry and imbalance, is readily noticeable especially during opening of the mouth. Multiple techniques to correct this deformity have been described, but most involve obvious scars or major procedures. A simple, one-step outpatient procedure, which can be performed under local anesthesia with a camouflaged scar, is described to correct the lip malposition.