The Tennison Lip repair revisited.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• The Tennison repair is a recognized method for single cleft lip repair.
• Preservation of the cupid's bow is a key aesthetic goal in cleft lip surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present modifications to the Tennison repair for improved outcomes in single cleft lip repair.
• To detail surgical techniques ensuring accurate lip height and vermilion symmetry.

Main Methods:

• Modified Tennison repair incorporating measurements based on the contralateral normal lip height.
• Incision planning and execution detailed for primary cleft lip repair.
• Excision of a triangle beneath the alar base for vertical height reduction in specific cases.

Main Results:

• Modified technique allows for precise vertical lip height adjustment.
• Vermilion offset and V-to-Y augmentation addressed specific lip deformities.
• No patients required secondary procedures for vermilion deficiency after V-to-Y augmentation.

Conclusions:

• Careful planning is crucial for successful primary cleft lip repair.
• The modified Tennison repair is effective for a range of cleft severities.
• Nasal surgery is not performed during the primary lip repair in this protocol.