Unilateral microform cleft lip repair: application of muscle tension line group theory.
BACKGROUND
In microform cleft lip repair, reconstructing the elaborate structures is difficult. We describe a new technique of unilateral microform cleft lip repair that is based on the muscle tension line group theory.


METHODS
According to the shape of Cupid bow, a different small incision is used without creating an obvious cutaneous scar. First, the nasolabial muscle around the nasal floor (the first auxiliary tension line group) is reconstructed, and then the orbicularis oris muscle around the philtrum (the second auxiliary tension line group) is reconstructed based on the muscle tension line group theory.


RESULTS
From June 2006 to June 2012, the technique was used in 263 unilateral microform cleft lip repairs. For 18 months, 212 patients were followed up. The appearance of the nasal alar, nasal sill, philtrum, and Cupid bow peak improved. Most patients had a satisfactory appearance.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the muscle tension line group theory, using this technique offers the ability to adduct the nasal alar effectively to form a good nasal sill and philtrum.
From the Center for Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Ningbei
N
Yin
Tao
T
Song
Jiajun
J
Wu
Bo
B
Chen
Hengyuan
H
Ma
Zhenmin
Z
Zhao
Yongqian
Y
Wang
Haidong
H
Li
Di
D
Wu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000502:physiology*; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult