A few fine stitches are taken in the vermilion part of the lip and several in the mucous membrane to permit of close apposition and to insure primary union. Wounds of the lips heal very well, and the defects occasioned by even extension operations which involve as much as one half of the lip soon lose their acute hideous appearance.
Fig. 210. Fig. 211.
Celsus Method with Additional Horizontal Incisions.
Estlander Method.—Estlander corrects a unilateral defect by excising the neoplasm in triangular fashion, and cutting out a triangular flap from the upper and outer third of the upper lip, leaving, however, the prolabium intact, which answers for the pedicle (see [Fig. 212]).
This triangular flap is rotated downward, and is sutured into the opening in the lower lip, as shown in [Fig. 213].
Where this method can be employed it does very well, as it overcomes the secondary defect so common with most of these operations, while a small operation may be undertaken later to correct the mouth formation if necessary.
Fig. 212. Fig. 213.
Estlander Method.