Long-Term Evaluation of the Lip and Nose in Bilateral Complete Cleft Lip Patients following Lip Adhesion and Secondary Nose Correction

Background Surgical correction of bilateral cleft lip deformities remains one of the most challenging areas in facial plastic surgery. Many surgical techniques and conservative devices have been offered for the early management of bilateral cleft lip in infants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of lip adhesion on the lip and nose of patients with bilateral cleft lip. Methods A retrospective review of 13 patients with bilateral cleft lip was performed and compared with age-matched noncleft children. Patients underwent lip adhesion at a mean age of 2.8 months, and cheiloplasty at 6.6 months of age using a modification the Mulliken method. Secondary rhinoplasty was performed at the age of 6 in 13 patients. The surgical results were analyzed using photographic records obtained at the age of 1 and 7 years. Twelve length measurements and one angle measurement were obtained. Results All measurements were not statistically different from those of the noncleft age-matched control group at the age of 1. At 7 years of age, upper lip height and vermilion mucosal height were shorter ( p < 0.05) than in the control group. Nasal tip protrusion and the nasolabial angle were greater ( p < 0.05) than in the control group. Conclusion Lip adhesion followed by secondary rhinoplasty resulted in an acceptable lip and nasal appearance. Although nasoalveolar molding is now widely used, lip adhesion can be an appropriate alternative if an orthodontist is not available due to geographical or economic constraints.