The One-Stage Repair of Bilateral Cleft Lip

Abstract

Twenty children with broad, complete clefts of lip, alveolus, and palate were studied. For functional restoration of the lip in complete bilateral clefts we advocate a one-stage modification of the Millard procedure even if the clefts are broad. Orthodontic treatment is done first to achieve maximal maxillary growth. Reconstruction of the lip is done at the age of 5 to 6 months. Our method of lip restoration is described with special attention to the muscle reconstruction. The lengthening of the columella, which is done at the age of 4 years, is still a problem.

Key Words:

• bilateral cleft lip
• lip restoration
• muscle reconstruction
• columella lengthening
• presurgical orthodontic treatment