The V.L.S. classification for secondary deformities in the unilateral cleft lip: clinical application

Results obtained in 70 cleft lip and palate patients who were assessed using the V.L.S. classification are presented. Of these 70 patients, 24 (34%) had had a Millard repair, 13 (19%) a straight line repair, and 33 (47%) had had a repair incorporating a Z-plasty. Both the Millard repair and the Z-plasty repair were associated with a lip of equal height in 54% of patients, whilst in the straight line repair group, 69% of patients had lips of equal height. A long lip was more often associated with the Z-plasty type repair group (27%) of patients, and short lips were more associated with Millard type repair (33%), and straight line repair (31%). Irrespective of the technique used, a notch at the site of the scar was the most common defect found at the vermilion. Wideness and irregularity were the most common unaesthetic features of the scar.