[Contour of the lower lip after von Esmarch reconstruction of lower lip vermillion].

After vermilionectomy the defect is usually resurfaced by advancement of the undermined labial mucosa. This procedure was described first by von Esmarch and Kowalzik and not by von Langenbeck, to whom the method is frequently attributed. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of the contour of the lower lip after this procedure. Thirty-three cases were studied. Pre- and post-operative lateral cephalograms were evaluated. The changes in length, thickness and profile of the lip were examined. All parameters showed only minor changes except a decrease in the visible vermilion height in all cases.