Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted on patients with a cleft lip, a birth defect that leaves a split in the upper lip. The focus of the study was to compare the results of two different surgical methods used to repair the cleft lip: one method where the lip muscles are repaired in the middle, and another traditional method where the muscles are repaired on the side of the cleft.

The researchers looked back at old patient records and analyzed photographs of patients who had been treated with the modified approach. They measured different points on the patients’ lips and nostrils before surgery, immediately after surgery, and one year after surgery.

They found that in the immediate aftermath of surgery, the length of the lip on the cleft side was a little shorter than the other side. However, as the face continued to grow and develop over the course of a year, this difference decreased. After one year, the measurements of the lip – including the height of the vertical lip, the “philtral” height (the groove running from the nose to the upper lip), and the lateral lip height – were almost symmetrical. They also observed minor changes in the nose shape after a year.

The conclusion of the study was that the modified technique, where the lip muscles are repaired in the middle, can help to balance the muscles around the nose and mouth and improve the symmetry of the face after cleft lip repair surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the key to a successful unilateral cleft lip repair?
  2. What were the results of the modified approach for cleft lip repair after one year?
  3. How does the modified technique for unilateral complete cleft lip repair improve outcomes?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft lip repair is to follow postoperative care instructions carefully to ensure optimal healing and symmetry of the repaired lip. This may include proper wound care, avoiding certain activities that could disrupt the healing process, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. By closely following these instructions, patients can help achieve the best possible outcome from their cleft lip repair surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with complete unilateral cleft lip deformities are typically recommended for cleft lip repair using this modified technique. This approach aims to improve lip symmetry and overall aesthetic outcomes by addressing the imbalance in the perinasal and perioral muscles. The study mentioned in the abstract specifically focused on patients with complete cleft lip deformities who underwent the modified approach for cleft lip repair.

Timeline

Before cleft lip repair:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a cleft lip during prenatal ultrasound or after birth.
  2. Patient undergoes evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers to determine the best treatment plan.
  3. Patient may undergo presurgical orthopedic treatment to reposition the cleft segments before surgery.
  4. Patient and family receive counseling and education about the surgery and postoperative care.

After cleft lip repair:

  1. Patient undergoes cleft lip repair surgery, which involves repositioning and suturing the lip muscles in the midline.
  2. Immediate postoperatively, there may be visible swelling and bruising around the surgical site.
  3. Over the course of a year, facial development progresses and the discrepancy in lip length between the cleft side and noncleft side decreases.
  4. Lip measurements at the 1-year follow-up show improved symmetry in vertical lip height, philtral height, and lateral lip height.
  5. Small changes in nasal correction may also occur at 1 year postoperatively.
  6. Patient continues to receive follow-up care and may undergo additional surgeries or interventions as needed for optimal outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How does the modified approach for cleft lip repair differ from traditional repair on the cleft side?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using the modified approach for cleft lip repair?
  3. What is the success rate of the modified approach in achieving lip symmetry compared to traditional repair?
  4. What is the expected timeline for seeing improvements in lip symmetry following the modified approach for cleft lip repair?
  5. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with the modified approach for cleft lip repair?
  6. How often will follow-up appointments be needed to monitor the progress of the lip repair?
  7. Will additional procedures or treatments be necessary in the future to further improve lip symmetry?
  8. Are there any specific postoperative care instructions that should be followed to optimize the results of the cleft lip repair?
  9. How can I best support my child during their recovery from cleft lip repair surgery?
  10. Are there any resources or support groups available for individuals and families affected by cleft lip and palate?

Reference

Authors: Liu Y, Yao M, Tsauo C, Chen Y, Shi B, Li C. Journal: Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2023 Jan-Feb;25(1):49-53. doi: 10.1089/fpsam.2022.0058. Epub 2022 Nov 10. PMID: 36355049