Our Summary
This study looked at how fixing a cleft lip in adults can impact their marital choices. A cleft lip is a physical deformity where the upper lip doesn’t form completely while a baby is in the womb. This can have significant psychological and social effects on a person, which might influence who they decide to marry. The researchers asked a group of patients who had their cleft lips repaired between July 2009 and June 2017 about their experiences. They found that out of 120 patients, 17 (or 14%) changed their marital status after the surgery. All 17 of these patients said that their cleft lip had affected their initial choice of spouse. After having their cleft lip repaired, the five male patients in this group all married additional wives. The 12 female patients all divorced their current spouses, and nine of them remarried by the time the study was conducted. This suggests that having a cleft lip repaired can change who a person chooses to marry.
FAQs
- What is a cleft lip and how can it impact a person’s social and psychological life?
- How many participants in the study changed their marital status after having their cleft lip repaired?
- Did the study find any gender differences in the marital choices of patients who had their cleft lip repaired?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft lip repair is to seek counseling or therapy to address any psychological or social issues that may have arisen from the deformity. It is important to work through any feelings of insecurity or low self-esteem that may have developed as a result of having a cleft lip, in order to improve overall well-being and relationships. Additionally, it is important for patients to communicate openly with their partners about their experiences and feelings surrounding their cleft lip repair, in order to build a strong and supportive relationship.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended cleft lip repair are individuals who have a cleft lip deformity that is affecting their physical appearance, speech, and/or overall quality of life. These patients may experience psychological and social challenges due to their cleft lip, which can impact their relationships and marital choices. Repairing a cleft lip can provide these patients with improved self-esteem and confidence, potentially leading to positive changes in their personal relationships and marital status.
Timeline
Before cleft lip repair:
- Patient is born with a cleft lip deformity
- Patient may experience social and psychological effects due to the deformity
- Patient may face challenges in relationships and marriage due to the cleft lip
After cleft lip repair:
- Patient undergoes surgery to repair the cleft lip
- Patient experiences physical healing and improvement in appearance
- Patient may experience improved self-esteem and confidence
- Study suggests that some patients may change their marital status after cleft lip repair, with some choosing to marry new partners or divorcing and remarrying.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cleft lip repair include:
- What is involved in the cleft lip repair surgery?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
- What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care?
- Will there be any scarring or long-term effects from the surgery?
- How will the appearance of my lip be improved after the surgery?
- Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up surgeries in the future?
- How will the surgery impact my speech and eating abilities?
- Are there any alternative treatments or procedures available for cleft lip repair?
- What are the expectations for the outcome of the surgery in terms of appearance and function?
- Can you provide me with before and after photos of cleft lip repair procedures you have performed?
Reference
Authors: Omeje UK, Owobu T, Agbara R. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019 Apr;57(3):242-245. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2019.02.007. Epub 2019 Mar 5. PMID: 30850222