Philtral Dermofascial Flap Reconstruction of Whistle Deformity

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to describe a technique that can be utilised for the targeted correction of the Whistle Deformity and accompanying upper lip subunits. All patients were post-primary cleft lip repair, either unilateral or bilateral cleft lips, with a resulting Whistle Deformity post-operatively. They all elected to undergo surgical correction of the Whistle Deformity using bilateral philtral dermofascial flaps to correct their Whistle Deformity. Post-operative clinical photographs demonstrate the results of the technique. We assessed for the resolution of the Whistle Deformity and improvement of the appearance of the upper lip subunits, including; philtral, columella, and nostril sill elements. The patients treated with this technique, with Whistle Deformities following unilateral and bilateral cleft lip repair, had satisfactory results from the procedure and recovered with no complications. We propose this is an effective method for treating up to moderate-severe Whistle deformities following both unilateral and bilateral primary cleft lip repairs.