Refinement of the Fries and Webster modifications of the Bernard repair of the lower lip

Refinement of the Fries and Webster modifications of the Bernard principle for reconstruction of the lower lip is described. The refinement consists of changing the direction of the incision from the angle of the mouth, which is made along a line passing laterally and curving downward, instead of slightly upward. This refinement has been used in 15 cases, seven with unilateral and eight with bilateral flaps. The functional results of this modification match the results of the original Bernard (Fries, Webster) technique. The aesthetic results are better because the suture line is sited along the fold of the angle of the mouth in a downward direction, which is more natural.