Reconstruction of the upper lip and philtrum.

The procedure used to repair upper lip defects depends on various factors: size and location of the defect, the conditions of neighbouring tissues, and the aetiology of the deformity. A single-stage procedure rarely gives a satisfactory cosmetic outcome in patients who have also lost the philtrum or a philtral crease. Here, we describe a single-step procedure for the reconstruction of the upper lip and philtrum that resulted in a good aesthetic appearance.