Results of lip repair in patients with single-stage closure of unilateral cleft lip and palate

The aesthetic results of lip repair after single-stage closure of complete unilateral clefts are analysed. In this treatment protocol clefts are closed in one operation. For lip repair either the MILLARD or the REICHERT technique were used. A photographic analysis using anthropometric landmarks was applied to compare height, width and symmetry of the Cupid's bow between cleft and non-cleft side. Neither surgical technique, nor cleft location or sex of the patients showed statistically significant differences between cleft and non-cleft side. In the individual photographic analysis the patients with all-in one closure of complete unilateral clefts showed good aesthetic results after lip repair. None of the surgical techniques can be favoured. Construction of the essential anatomic landmarks of the lip which is performed in the all-in-one technique is more important than a specific surgical technique. Longterm results and comparative studies with different treatment protocols are necessary.