Soft Tissue Asymmetry in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate Using Stereoscopic Photography

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Medical imaging

Background:

• Unilateral cleft lip and palate conditions cause significant facial asymmetry.
• Long-term soft tissue deformities require thorough evaluation for effective treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare long-term facial soft tissue asymmetry in patients with unilateral cleft lip with alveolar cleft (UCLA) and unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D photography (3dMD) to create digital models of 21 UCLA and 18 UCLP patients.
• Analyzed bilateral facial symmetry indices using paired t-tests.
• Performed mirror image analysis to determine asymmetry distribution and severity.

Main Results:

• Both UCLA and UCLP groups displayed significant differences in nostril, nasal alar, and upper lip measurements.
• UCLA patients showed mild asymmetry primarily in the ala, nostril, and cheilion.
• UCLP patients exhibited severe asymmetry affecting the entire midface.

Conclusions:

• 3D analysis confirms facial soft tissue deformities, particularly in the nasolabial area, for both UCLA and UCLP patients.
• UCLP patients present with greater and more extensive facial asymmetry compared to UCLA patients.
• Further interventions are necessary to address and improve facial malformations in both clefting types.