Bilateral cleft lip repair: "putting it all together"

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Bilateral cleft lip repair requires restoring complex lip anatomy for optimal function and aesthetics.
• Existing techniques may involve multiple stages or compromise tissue preservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a composite surgical technique for bilateral cleft lip repair.
• To emphasize restoration of normal lip anatomy, form, and function.

Main Methods:

• A composite surgical technique utilizing all available tissues.
• Preoperative orthodontic preparation for improved spatial relationships.
• One-stage repair without the need for lip adhesions.

Main Results:

• Preservation of all tissues, avoiding surgical tightness.
• Restoration of good muscular function and a functional labial sulcus.
• Improved nasal sills and floors, adaptable to various cleft types.

Conclusions:

• The presented composite technique effectively restores bilateral cleft lip anatomy, form, and function.
• This one-stage approach is adaptable, avoids tightness, and facilitates secondary revisions if needed.