Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted on the success of a specific type of surgical repair for a condition known as microform cleft lip - a minor form of cleft lip. The study looked back at patients from 2010 to 2016 who had this type of repair and had photos taken before and at least a year after the surgery. The success of the surgery was evaluated both by measuring the symmetry of the lip and by getting feedback from the patients and experienced plastic surgeons. The results showed that most patients were happy with the outcome, the scars were barely noticeable, and the repaired side of the lip was almost as high as the non-cleft side. This suggests that this method, which involves reconstructing the lip muscle through a small, personalized incision, is an effective way to correct microform cleft lip with minimal scarring.

FAQs

  1. What type of cleft lip condition was the focus of this study?
  2. How was the success of the surgical repair evaluated in this study?
  3. What were the findings of the study regarding the effectiveness of this specific type of surgical repair for microform cleft lip?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing cleft lip repair surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to promote proper healing and minimize scarring. This may include keeping the surgical area clean, avoiding certain foods or activities that could irritate the incision site, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress. Additionally, patients should communicate openly with their healthcare provider about any concerns or questions they may have throughout the recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cleft lip repair include those with a visible deformity or asymmetry of the upper lip, difficulty with feeding or speech development, and self-esteem issues related to the appearance of the lip. In the case of microform cleft lip, patients with a minor form of the condition may also be recommended for surgical repair to improve the appearance and function of the lip. This study suggests that the surgical repair of microform cleft lip can be successful in improving lip symmetry and overall patient satisfaction.

Timeline

Before cleft lip repair:

  • Patient is born with a cleft lip, which is a common birth defect that occurs when the upper lip does not form properly during fetal development
  • Patient and their family may experience emotional distress and social stigma due to the appearance of the cleft lip
  • Patient may undergo preoperative consultations with a plastic surgeon to discuss the surgical options for repair

After cleft lip repair:

  • Patient undergoes cleft lip repair surgery, which typically takes place when the child is between 3 to 6 months old
  • Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort following the surgery
  • Patient may need to follow a special diet and avoid certain activities to ensure proper healing of the surgical site
  • Patient and their family may attend follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor the healing process and address any concerns
  • Over time, the surgical scar fades and the appearance of the lip improves, leading to improved self-esteem and quality of life for the patient

Overall, cleft lip repair is a transformative procedure that can greatly improve the physical and emotional well-being of patients with this condition.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with cleft lip repair surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort post-surgery?

  3. Will there be any visible scarring after the surgery and how can I minimize its appearance?

  4. What is the success rate of this specific type of surgical repair for microform cleft lip?

  5. How soon after the surgery will I see the final results in terms of symmetry and appearance of the lip?

  6. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of following cleft lip repair surgery?

  7. Will I need any additional procedures or follow-up appointments after the initial surgery?

  8. How experienced is the surgeon in performing cleft lip repair surgeries, specifically for microform cleft lip?

  9. Can you provide before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone the same type of cleft lip repair surgery?

  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before and after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?

Reference

Authors: He L, Yu X, Liu X, Chen W, Shu M. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Jul;30(5):1520-1524. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005345. PMID: 31299758