Our Summary

This research paper is about improving the surgical techniques used to repair a cleft lip, a birth defect where the upper lip doesn’t form properly. The goal of cleft lip repair is to make the lip look and function as normal as possible, but sometimes the repaired lip ends up shorter than it should be. This could be due to scarring, but it could also be because surgeons aren’t paying enough attention to the inner surface of the lip during the procedure. Many studies have focused on how to fix the skin and muscle of the lip, but less attention has been paid to the inner lining of the lip. This paper reviews existing research on this topic and proposes a way to better repair the inner surface of the lip to prevent it from becoming too short.

FAQs

  1. What is the goal of cleft lip repair?
  2. What factors can contribute to the repaired lip appearing short in the vertical dimension after surgery?
  3. Why is mucosal reapproximation significant in unilateral cleft lip repair?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about cleft lip repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to promote proper healing and minimize scarring. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, avoiding activities that could put pressure on the lip, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress. Additionally, patients may be advised to gently massage the scar tissue once it has healed to help soften and flatten the appearance of the scar.

Suitable For

Patients with cleft lip deformities, both unilateral and bilateral, are typically recommended for cleft lip repair surgery. This includes infants, children, and adults who have not previously undergone corrective surgery. The timing of surgery may vary depending on the individual patient’s specific needs and the recommendations of their healthcare provider.

In some cases, patients with associated craniofacial anomalies or other medical conditions may require additional evaluation and treatment before undergoing cleft lip repair surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, speech therapists, and other specialists, to determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs.

Overall, cleft lip repair surgery is generally recommended for patients with cleft lip deformities to improve facial appearance, restore normal function, and prevent potential complications such as feeding difficulties, speech problems, and social stigma.

Timeline

Before cleft lip repair:

  • Patient is diagnosed with cleft lip, either prenatally or shortly after birth
  • Patient and family meet with a team of healthcare professionals to discuss treatment options and prepare for surgery
  • Preoperative appointments and evaluations are conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and readiness for surgery
  • Surgical plan is developed, including considerations for anesthesia, incision placement, and postoperative care

After cleft lip repair:

  • Surgery is performed to repair the cleft lip, typically within the first few months of life
  • Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Postoperative appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Over time, the surgical site heals and the appearance of the lip improves
  • Patient may require additional surgeries or treatments in the future to address any residual issues or complications

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after cleft lip repair involves a thorough assessment and preparation process before surgery, followed by a period of recovery and monitoring after the procedure. The goal is to achieve optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes for the patient’s lip.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the expected outcome of the cleft lip repair surgery in terms of appearance and function?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to take, and what can I do to help facilitate healing?
  4. Will there be any visible scarring after the surgery, and if so, how can it be minimized?
  5. Are there any specific postoperative care instructions that I should follow?
  6. How soon after the surgery can my child resume normal activities, such as feeding and playing?
  7. Will there be a need for additional surgeries or follow-up treatments in the future?
  8. What are the long-term implications of cleft lip repair for my child’s overall health and well-being?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options or complementary therapies that may be beneficial in conjunction with the surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with information or resources for support groups or counseling services for families of children with cleft lip?

Reference

Authors: Taub PJ, Piccolo P. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2016 Nov;27(8):2031-2035. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000002889. PMID: 28005748