Three-Dimensional Measurement of the Lateral Lip Element Sacrificed in Primary Repair of a Unilateral Cleft Lip

Conclusions Our study demonstrated that sacrifice of the lateral lip element was minimal in the Millard repair, whereas it could exceed 20% in the Fisher repair. However, additional sacrifice of the advancement flap was needed in the Millard-type repair. The ratio of the lateral lip sacrifice varied between patients. Although UCL repair techniques should not be evaluated with the sacrifice ratio, excessive sacrifice of the lateral lip tissue can complicate the secondary lip correction. We recommend that surgeons estimate preoperatively how much lateral lip element will be sacrificed with each incision design using a 3-dimensional image for each child with a UCL.
Source: Annals of Plastic Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Tags: Research Source Type: research