Secondary Correction of Wide Philtral Deformity in the Bilateral Cleft Lip

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Deformities after bilateral cleft lip repair usually involve the philtrum and the central upper lip, which presents as wide philtrum, wide Cupid's bow, whistling deformity and prominent prolabium. The object of this study is to introduce a simple method to correct such deformities of bilateral cleft lip, that is the redo-operation following the modified Millard's method. METHODS: We present 2 patients with secondary deformities of the philtrum and central upper lip after bilateral cleft lip repair. A simple design was used to excise the excessive skin and mucosa of the central upper lip, and the philtrum and Cupid's bow were restored to the standard average width of Korean population. RESULTS: The wide central upper lip and philtrum were successfully restored to the appropriate width(10-12mm) and shape. Also the border of the red vermilion was aligned properly resulting in a good contour of the upper lip. Both patients were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: In patients with wide philtral deformities, our simple method can be utilized for a satisfying result.