Long-Term Results in the Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair by Mulliken's Method

Abstract

To evaluate long-term results in the bilateral cleft lip repair by Mulliken's method, using anthropometric measurements, we assessed the growth of the nose and upper lip after the operation by comparing with those from 30 children without bilateral cleft lip. Forty-four patients had their bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity repaired simultaneously by Mulliken's method during the period from July 1997 to December 2007. Of these patients, 15 patients had bilateral complete cleft lip, 17 patients had bilateral incomplete cleft lip, and 12 patients had a mixed type of complete and incomplete bilateral cleft lip.To follow up on the growth of the lips and nose after the operation, the following 6 anthropometric measurements were analyzed: nasal tip protrusion, nasal width, columellar length, upper lip height, cutaneous lip height, and vermilion mucosa height. In most patients, nasal length, nasal tip projection, columellar length, and upper lip shape were appropriate. Nasal tip protrusion, nasal width, upper lip height, and vermilion-mucosal height were within normal limit. However, columellar length and cutaneous lip height were relatively shorter than the average values of children without bilateral cleft lip. By performing Mulliken's method, we can achieve natural lip and nasal shape, harmonious Cupid's bow, appropriate nasal projection, and natural philtrum.