Improved Black procedure in microsurgical repair of bilateralcomplete cleft lip

Abstract

Objective To discuss the effect of cheiloplasty we designed an improved Black procedure that with microsurgical technique the tissue from lateral lips on the bilateral cleft lip were used to reconstruct the skin of anterior lip and the vermilion tubercle. Methods 36 cases of congenital bilateral complete cleft lip deformity were repaired through improved Black procedure and microsurgical method, including 19 patients with very short prolabium tissue, repairing insufficient skin and vermilion tubercle tissue by fissure lateral lip tissue. Results Following-up for 3 months to 3 years after treatment showed that 36 patients were with normal and symmetrical high of anterior lips, the chubby vermilion tubercles, the natural morphous of labial archs, the appropriate strength of labrums and the vermilion tubercles and lips without color difference, and the effects were satisfactory. Conclusion The improved Black procedure redeems the shortages of traditional Black procedure for the case with bilateralcomplete cleft lip and smaller anterior lip, such as the deficient height of anterior lips, eclabium and inadequate vermilion tubercles. By applying microsurgical technique, the procedure gives better upper lip function and aesthetic effect, and therefore it is worthy to be recommended in clinic. Key words: Bilateralcomplete cleft lip; Improved Black procedure; Repair