The V-shaped mini flap method for microform cleft lip repair

We have devised a new operative technique for microform cleft lip repair via the use of a V-shaped flap method. From 2006 to 2015, nine patients with unilateral cleft lip diagnosed as mini-microform cleft lip or microform cleft lip by the classification of Yuzuriha and Mulliken, were recorded.

With our procedure, a V-shaped mini flap with the vermillion border serving as the vertex is inserted into the incised area along the vermillion border on the affected side, thereby allowing reliable correction of the vermillion border notch. When this procedure is applied to cases of microform cleft lip, the white lip’s linear mark is resected totally, followed by overlap suturing of the orbicularis oris muscle from the incised area to correct philtrum ridge deviation and nasal alar base lateral deviation. In cases of mini-microform cleft lip, the extent of resection of the skin and mucosa is reduced to the minimum necessary level to reduce the scar size as far as possible.

This procedure was used for the treatment of microform cleft lip in six cases and mini-microform cleft lip in three cases. The mean age at operation was 13.3 months (range 6–45 months). There were no postoperative complications; moreover, no patient required additional surgery.

Regarding postoperative clinical findings, the scar was not evident because it was identical to the philtrum ridge. Furthermore, the cupid’s bow was symmetrical, and constriction at the vermillion’s free margin had been corrected. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.