Revisional Techniques for Secondary Cleft Lip Deformities

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Secondary deformities of repaired cleft lips are an unfortunate complication despite the meticulous approach of modern primary procedures. Most of these surgeries take place in the patient's early life and must be strategically planned to provide optimal cosmesis with minimal interventions. Depending on the level of severity, treatment of the secondary deformities ranges from noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques to complete revision cheiloplasty. Many novel topical, injectable, and laser therapies have allotted physicians more technical flexibility in treating superficial distortions. Nonetheless, surgical techniques such as diamond excision and adjacent tissue transfer remain popular and useful reconstructive modalities. Deformities involving the orbicularis oris must be completely taken down to allow full access to the muscle. Complete revision cheiloplasty requires recreation of the cleft defect and reconstruction similar to the primary repair. Due to the myriad of presentations of these secondary deformities, familiarity with the various treatments available is imperative for any cleft surgeon.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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