Our Summary
This research paper focuses on the results of a particular surgical technique called the Chang Gung technique, used for repairing cleft lips. Researchers looked at patients who had either a full or partial cleft lip, but no other facial deformities. They used digital photographs to measure different parts of the patients’ lips, both before and at least a year after their surgery.
The measurements they looked at were the area and height of the colored part of the lip (the vermilion), the width of the lip, the length of the side of the lip, the height of the lip, and the width of the dip in the middle of the upper lip (Cupid’s bow). They then used these measurements to calculate a score that reflects how symmetrical the lips are.
The results showed that following surgery, the vermilion area, lip height, and Cupid’s bow width were symmetrical on both sides of the lip. However, the width and side length of the lip were shorter on the cleft side than the non-cleft side, and the vermilion was thicker on the cleft side.
When they compared the results of full and partial cleft lip patients, they found that the side length and height of the lip were significantly shorter in full cleft patients. However, there were no significant differences in the other measurements.
The researchers suggest that some modifications could be made to the surgical technique for both full and partial cleft lip patients, such as reducing the height of the vermilion. They also note that patients with a full cleft lip tend to have more severe soft tissue deficiency. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
FAQs
- What is the Chang Gung technique used for?
- What measurements were taken before and after the surgery to assess the results?
- Were there any significant differences in the results between full and partial cleft lip patients?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft lip repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, avoiding certain foods or activities that could disrupt the healing process, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress. Additionally, patients should communicate any concerns or changes in their condition to their healthcare provider promptly.
Suitable For
Overall, patients who are typically recommended for cleft lip repair surgery are those with either a full or partial cleft lip, without any other facial deformities. These patients may experience asymmetry in the vermilion area, lip height, and Cupid’s bow width, as well as shorter lip width and side length on the cleft side. Full cleft lip patients may have more severe soft tissue deficiency compared to partial cleft lip patients. Modifying surgical techniques, such as reducing the height of the vermilion, may help improve symmetry in lip measurements for these patients. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and optimize surgical outcomes for cleft lip repair patients.
Timeline
Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after cleft lip repair surgery typically includes:
- Pre-surgery consultation and assessment by a plastic surgeon or team of specialists
- Surgical preparation, including fasting before the procedure and possibly other medical tests
- Cleft lip repair surgery, which usually takes a few hours and may involve general anesthesia
- Post-operative care and monitoring, including pain management and wound care
- Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns
- Physical therapy and speech therapy, if needed, to address any functional issues related to the cleft lip
- Continued monitoring of the lip’s appearance and function in the months and years following surgery
After cleft lip repair surgery, patients may experience improved lip symmetry, function, and appearance. However, additional surgeries or treatments may be needed to address any ongoing issues or to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. Ongoing follow-up care is important to ensure the best possible results and to address any potential complications that may arise.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cleft lip repair using the Chang Gung technique include:
- What is the success rate of this surgical technique for repairing cleft lips?
- How long is the recovery process after cleft lip repair surgery?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgical technique?
- Will there be any visible scarring after the surgery?
- How soon after the surgery can I expect to see the final results in terms of lip symmetry?
- Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I need to follow to ensure optimal results?
- Will I need any additional surgeries or treatments in the future to further improve the appearance of my lip?
- How experienced are you in performing cleft lip repair surgeries using the Chang Gung technique?
- Are there any alternative treatment options available for cleft lip repair?
- Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone cleft lip repair using this technique?
Reference
Authors: Tangco I, Bhandari K, Yao CF, Liu AWC, Chen PK, Lu TC. Journal: Ann Plast Surg. 2021 Feb 1;86(2S Suppl 1):S41-S45. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002704. PMID: 33438954