Long-Term Esthetic Results of a Modified Technique of Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair

Purpose: To evaluate long-term esthetic results in the bilateral cleft lip repair by a modified technique characterized by prolabial self-elongation and orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction in one stage, using anthropometric measurements.
Patients and Methods: Fourteen patients (8 were males and 6 were females) had their bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity repaired simultaneously by modified technique characterized by prolabial self-elongation and orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction in one stage, during the period from 1999 to 2002. Direct and indirect anthropometry were applied to all patients to evaluate the long term esthetic results.
Results: The long term esthetic results were satisfactory in all patients. There were no acute complications requiring re-surgery. In most patients, nasal length, nasal tip projection, columellar length, and upper lip shape were appropriate. Nasal tip protrusion, nasal width, upper lip height, and vermilion-mucosal height were within normal limit. The measurements were observed to be symmetrical; left and right measurement data were not significantly different.
Conclusions: This modified technique is proved to be a valuable technique on the long term basis in repair of bilateral complete cleft lip which has its important impact on esthetic results.