Split vermilion grafts in reconstructive lip surgery.

Split grafts from the "dry" vermilion have been used as overgrafts in reconstructive lip surgery. These can replace abnormal scar or "wet" mucosa with a "dry" vermilion that blends in well, especially at the mucocutaneous junction. The grafts are taken free hand with a scalpel or razor blade and sutured directly on to the de-epithelialised regions of the lip. This technique has been used in ten patients in the last years. No significant complications have occurred and the aesthetic benefit has justified the surgical effort.