Surgical Correction for Minimal Cleft Lip

ABSTRACT

Minimal cleft lip has been defined as a cleft which does not extend over the vermilion. Minimal cleft lip has no specific classification and few methods for its correction. Based on our operative experience with secondary cleft lipnose deformities, we have developed principles of operation for minimal cleft lip minimal incision, nostril and alar reconstruction, philtrum reconstruction. alignment of cupid's bow, and vermilial notching correction. Nine patients of minimal cleft lip were operated on from March 1992 to June 1998 in our department. Each partients was evaluated for lip and nose deformities presurgically the nasal tip, columella, ala, scar, cupid's bow, lip pout and lip length. Every patients required a different technique for repair. Satisfactory results were obtained by treating the cleft following the principles.