Primary cleft lip repair surgery is done in infancy. As the child grows, the scar thickens and results in a very thin upper lip. This can be successfully corrected with abbe flap technique. A flap of tissue is taken from the lower lip, rotated across the mouth and sutured to the upper lip with the base of the flap still attached to the lower lip to maintain the blood supply. In males, the flap is taken along with hair follicles to ensure growth of the moustache. After blood supply is established, the flap is divided and normal form and function of upper lip is restored.
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