Refined New Technique for Correction of the Minor-Form, Microform Cleft Lip and Minor-Form Bilateral Cleft Lip through the Intraoral Incision and Long-Term Results

Abstract

To attain muscle continuity with a minimal scar in the treatment of the microform cleft lip, the current author previously introduced a new method using interdigitation of the orbicularis oris muscle to create a philtrum through an intraoral incision to avoid an external scar.1 A total of 12 patients with microform cleft lip were treated between August of 2001 and October of 2002. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 15 months. All patients were satisfied with the results. After the article was published, the technique was refined and modified, and 38 more patients including those with minor-form cleft lip2 and minor-form bilateral cleft lip were treated between 2003 and 2008. In this article, the current author reports a more refined technique and long-term results.