Innovative Method To Repair Microform Cleft Lip Through Labialline Incision

To introduces a new method of surgical repair of micro-form cleft lips, reconstruction of orbicularis oris muscle through the labial line incision to rebuild the philtrum crest and philtrum concave. 62 patients with microform cleft lip were diagnosed, 43 cases of unilateral cleft lip and 19 cases of bilateral cleft lip. All patients were treated with the labial line approach to separate the muscle and subcutaneous tissue, cut the medial muscles between the philtrum on both sides, and have the muscle block divided into upper and lower segments, which were respectively used to fill the nasal floor and the red lip depression. After fully separating the orbicularis oris muscle on both piriform apertures, directly suture the deep part of orbicularis oris muscle in the midline, and suture the superficial orbicularis oris muscle with the midline subcutaneously, which can effectively reconstruct the shape of the philtrum. If necessary, Y-V plasty, mini Z, Tajiama incision would be applied. The postoperative follow-ups with 6∼18 months revealed that all patients obtained good results of the symmetrical philtrum, nostrils, prolonged columella, good-shaped cupid’s bow, and invisible scar, without unilateral mucosa thickening. The reconstruction of the orbicularis oris muscle and rebuilding the philtrum through the labial line approach is a very effective method to repair the micro-form cleft lips. This method can be used for both of unilateral and bilateral micro-form cleft lips.