Unilateral Cleft Lip-Approach and Technique

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article presents the philosophy, technique, and personal and team approach for treating children with unilateral cleft lip-nose deformities based on the senior author's 36 years of experience. The treatment of unilateral cleft lip almost without exception must involve correction of the nasal deformity. To obtain excellent results, the surgeon must integrate technique, teamwork, and timing based on multidisciplinary protocols developed over the years. Technique must involve broad dissection of the nasal and lip elements off the abnormal skeletal base and delicate but wide dissection of the nasal cartilage to achieve contour and tip projection. The team must include and assimilate surgical, orthodontic, speech, and when necessary orthognathic viewpoints to achieve the optimal result. The final goal is to bring the child to normal facial appearance at conversational distance. It is important to realize that the treatment of the unilateral cleft is rarely one procedure at one time but rather a culmination of several interventions precisely timed in the growing phase of the child from infancy to adulthood.