The lambda flap for secondary cleft lip repair

Objective: A modified Abbe flap of the lambda figure type, designed by the author and used before or after secondary cleft lip repair in 146 consecutive cases since 1990 is described. Design: This series consisted of 71 cases with unilateral deformity and 75 cases with bilateral deformity at adolescent or adult ages. The technical details of this method and representative cases with the results are shown,The philtrum is created by incising the two branches of the lambda flap obliquely at 45 degrees to the skin surface in the lower lip, then matching them in the central recipient bed of the deficient upper lip. Results and Conclusions: The resultant upper lip is not only full and slack, but also attractive with an acute cubic contour of the philtrum. Furthermore, the residual scar at the donor site is concealed in the mentolabial fold.