Functional and aesthetic results of various lip-splitting incisions: A clinical analysis of 60 cases

Purpose: This study retrospectively evaluated the functional and aesthetic results of various types of lip-splitting incisions in a group of patients in whom this approach was used to treat intraoral tumors. Patients and Methods: Between 1992 and 1998, 87 consecutive patients were subjected to either mandibulotomy or mandibulectomy using a lip-splitting incision. During this period, 4 types of incisions were sequentially used: straight midline incision, lateral lip-splitting incision, midline splitting with extension around the contour of the chin, and the chevron chin-contour incision. Sixty patients with a follow-up of at least 6 months were included in the study. The patients were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding the degree of satisfaction with the cosmetic result of the procedure and were clinically assessed for sensory and functional impairment resulting from the incision. The remaining 27 patients were lost to follow-up or had died of their disease. Results: The lateral lip-splitting incision caused the fewest postoperative problems in patients subjected to either mandibulotomy or mandibulectomy. The best overall results were achieved by the chevron-chin contour incision. The incision that followed the contour of the chin and the straight midline incision showed less satisfactory results. Conclusion: The chevron chin-contour incision, along with meticulous soft tissue closure, produces the best aesthetic and functional results. © 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons