Conservative Management of Lip Avulsion with Hydrocolloid Dressings in Three Cases.

Abstract

Lip avulsion is a common orofacial trauma that poses challenges due to its aesthetic and functional implications. This retrospective case series evaluated the outcomes of three patients with partial-thickness traumatic lip avulsion managed using different wound healing approaches. Two patients underwent conservative treatment (secondary intention healing), including daily wound cleansing and application of hydrocolloid dressings. The hydrocolloid dressings could maintain a moist wound environment that promoted granulation formation and epithelialization while reducing infection risk. Both conservatively managed patients achieved favorable cosmetic and functional outcomes. The third patient initially underwent immediate wound suturing (primary intention healing), followed by wound dehiscence, necessitating subsequent conservative management. This patient developed noticeable scar contracture and distortion of the vermilion border. Our findings suggest that clinicians should carefully evaluate wound characteristics, contamination risks, and patient-specific factors when determining the initial management approach. Besides, conservative management with hydrocolloid dressings represents an effective, convenient, and practical therapeutic option for treating traumatic partial-thickness lip avulsion injuries.