Vestibuloplasty after secondary alveolar bone grafting

Objective: This paper introduces a surgical technique for vestibuloplasty a fter secondary alveolar bone grafting of patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). This paper also reports on the patients who underwent this modified vestibuloplasty. Surgical Procedure: The vestibuloplasty technique described in this paper c onsists of: (1) reduction of submucosal scar tissue of the upper lip, (2) V -Y plasty of the superficial mucosa, (3) placement of horizontal mattress s utures between nostril floor skin and freed marginal mucosa, (4) applicatio n of artificial skin to cover the exposed periosteal surface, and (5) use o f a removable retention splint. Conclusion: This surgical procedure appears to be very useful for patients with CLR The technique enables the surgeon to obtain an adequate sulcus dep th around the graft area. In addition, this technique releases the mucosal scar contraction and improves the shape and mobility of the upper lip.