Cheilotomies

/kaɪˈlɒtəmiz/ noun

Definition

The plural of cheilotomy; multiple surgical incisions or cuts made in the lip, often for access to deeper structures during oral or facial surgery.

Etymology

From Greek 'cheilos' (lip) plus 'tomies' (plural of surgical cuts). Medical terminology following the surgical naming convention using '-tomy' for incision-based procedures.

Kelly Says

Lip incisions were one of early surgeons' gateways to safer oral procedures—accessing the mouth through a careful lip incision allowed better visibility and control than working blind through the mouth opening.

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