Bilateral cleft lip repair: "putting it all together"

The surgical repair of the bilateral cleft lip should take into consideration restoration of normal anatomy throughout the lip. If it is well done, it contributes to both form and function. A composite technique is presented here, with additions taking advantage of all tissues and based on this principle. Preoperative orthodontic preparation is used to achieve more satisfactory spatial relationships when appropriate and to permit a one-stage repair without lip adhesions. The technical aspects are clearly outlined and supported by case presentations. The technique saves all tissue; avoids tightness; provides good muscular function; constructs a labial sulcus providing for proper movement of the lip; provides good nasal sills and floors; is adaptable to complete or incomplete clefts; can be easily revised or used for secondary revisions in other cases, and so on.