A new tailored technique of vermilion repair in unilateral cleft lip

Summary The deficiency of vermilion on the medial side of the cleft can be augmented by procedures using excess vermilion from the lateral side as described in various other studies. Here we present a technique of vermilion repair in unilateral cleft lip which is a modification of our earlier-described, V-advancement technique based on sound geometrical principles. The new modification was assessed by comparing the results of 40 consecutive cases operated by this technique with 40 cases operated by the earlier-described technique. The surgical outcome as assessed by a panel was found to be significantly better with the newer technique. This technique is much simpler and overcomes some of the shortcomings of the previous technique at the same time retaining its benefits.