Reoperation of bilateral cleft lip deformity after primary Manchester or Veau III repair

Residual bilateral cleft lip deformities are commonly attributed to neglect of oral sphincter reconstruction during primary repair. This report describes a straightforward technique for reoperation that is applicable for most patients. It also describes the results of a retrospective observational cohort study of 21 patients that underwent reoperation performed by the senior author (MYM) from 1991 to 2018. The patients had undergone primary lip repair at other institutions. Their mean age at reoperation was 17 years. Pre- and post-operative photographs (at 3.5 years' postoperation) were assessed for 15 parameters. Overall configuration, scar appearance, philtrum anatomy, Cupid's bow shape, and esthetic aspects of lip dynamics improved considerably. This procedure is the same as that used by the authors in 4-month-old children who have undergone a nasolabial adhesion procedure at 4 weeks of age. We discuss the rationale of using this procedure for primary lip repair, thus eliminating the need for reoperation.