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Updated: Jul 26, 2025
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Outcome Comparisons of Two Different Orbicularis Oris Muscle Reconstruction Techniques in Patients with Unilateral
Chong Zhang1, Meilin Yao1, David W Low2
1From the State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University.
Background:
The long-term postoperative outcomes of two different orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction techniques in patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip were compared.
Methods:
Forty-seven patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip were assessed in this study, where 23 underwent a traditional method of reconstruction and 24 underwent a novel method. Preoperative measurements, postoperative results, and 3-year follow-up outcomes were measured by photographic anthropometric analysis. Five upper lip measurement indices and 8 nostril indices were included.
Results:
The postoperative outcomes showed that the shape of the lip and nose was more symmetric with the new surgical method compared with the conventional technique. Long-term outcomes after 3 years, although characterized by minimal changes during maxillofacial development, showed better maintenance of lip and nostril symmetry in the novel-method group.
Conclusion:
The novel technique seeks to balance the perinasal and perioral muscles, resulting in improved symmetry compared with the traditional reconstruction technique.
Clinical Question/Level Of Evidence:
Therapeutic, III.
