Abstract:

Abbe flap is a pedicled cross-lip flap procedure that includes inferior labial vessels. This technique involves the transfer of the full-thickness flap containing skin, muscle, and mucosa to the central part of the upper lip where severe deficiency or scarring exists. Since it was introduced by Abbe in 1898, the Abbe flap technique has undergone numerous modifications and innovations, aiming at reducing pedicle bulk, increasing lip mobility, and lessening donor site morbidities. In general, postoperative assessment methods can be divided into qualitative assessment(questionnaires and ordinal scales) and quantitative assessment(lip index). The potentially influencing factors are the type of tissue deficiency, the anatomical characteristics of the inferior labial artery, and the shape and size of the flap and the pedicle. This article reviews the technique development, postoperative assessment methods, and potential influencing factors of the Abbe flap technique.

Key words: Abbe flap, technique development, assessment method, influencing factor