Unilateral cleft lip repair--state of the art.
OBJECTIVE
A number of surgical techniques are utilized to correct the unilateral cleft lip, including variations of the rotation-advancement technique. This attests to the variability of the original deformity and the esthetic and functional results from any one technique, especially those based on traditional geometric rearrangement of the skin and associated tissues.


RESULTS
Most recent advances in cleft lip repair have occurred in two main areas. The morphological result has been improved by functional muscular reconstruction of the lip with or without orthopedic molding. Early correction of the nasal deformity has also been readvocated based on newer principles with excellent results demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
Further work continues in these areas and improved outcomes will continue to be seen along with a clearer understanding of surgical affects on growth and development.
Department of Functional Restoration, Stanford University Medical Center, UCSF Stanford Health Care, California 94305, USA.
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Schendel
D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000601:surgery*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004954:Esthetics; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009666:Nose / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D012399:Rotation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome