biostudies-literatureMiao CDepartment of Science and Technology Application Fundamental Project of Sichuan Province18699https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11319339biostudies-literatureUnknown14(1)The lip-splitting approach enables excellent access to all areas of the mouth and pharynx to remove tumors; however, traditional lower lip-splitting incisions produce an unsatisfactory scar. To achieve better functional and aesthetic results, we used a Z-shaped incision and compared the functional and aesthetic outcomes of the straight and Z-shaped incisions. Sixty patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups and underwent lip-splitting between March 2021 and September 2023. Eventually, 77 patients were reviewed within 6 months and evaluated using the lip function assessment scale, patient and observer scar assessment scale, naïve observer scar assessment scale, and a clinical examination. The Z-shaped incision group performed better in terms of the lScientific reportsFunctional and aesthetic results of the Z-shaped and straight lower lip-splitting incision: a randomized clinical trial.PMC113193392021YJ0129Zheng YLi CMiao CBai LMa ZHong GLi LfalseFunctional and aesthetic results of the Z-shaped and straight lower lip-splitting incision: a randomized clinical trial.The lip-splitting approach enables excellent access to all areas of the mouth and pharynx to remove tumors; however, traditional lower lip-splitting incisions produce an unsatisfactory scar. To achieve better functional and aesthetic results, we used a Z-shaped incision and compared the functional and aesthetic outcomes of the straight and Z-shaped incisions. Sixty patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups and underwent lip-splitting between March 2021 and September 2023. Eventually, 77 patients were reviewed within 6 months and evaluated using the lip function assessment scale, patient and observer scar assessment scale, naïve observer scar assessment scale, and a clinical examination. The Z-shaped incision group performed better in terms of the l2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Aug2025-04-19T11:17:20.57Z2024-11-21T04:39:54.256ZS-EPMC113193393913457310.1038/s41598-024-63983-z