Chapter
1:
Bilateral
Cleft Lip
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Chapter
1: |
| Clefts
of the Lip and Palate
Bilateral Cleft Lip
Clefts of the Lip and Palate
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The bilateral cleft lip involves separation of the lip along philtral
lines, isolating the central segment (prolabium). Fifteen percent of
children born with cleft lips have bilateral clefts. The associated
nasal deformity is usually more severe than the unilateral cleft due to
a very short columella and flaring of both nostrils. Surgical correction
of the bilateral cleft lip is usually performed in one procedure at
three months of age; however, the procedure may be staged, closing one
cleft at a time. Rotation of the nostrils to a more normal position is
performed in the first procedure. A second procedure is performed by 2-3
years of age to lengthen the columella. Patients with complete bilateral
cleft lips frequently require additional procedures to enhance the
appearance of the lip and nose. Performed under general anesthesia, the
operation generally requires 2-3 hours. A hospital stay of 2-4 days
should be expected. Feeding, positioning and elbow restraints are the
same as those for repair of the unilateral cleft lip.
The Tennessee Craniofacial
Center, part of the Erlanger Health System, is located in Chattanooga,
Tennessee. The Center, led Larry A. Sargent, M.D., specializes in the
evaluation and treatment of patients of all ages with craniofacial deformities.
Location:
975 East Third Street. Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
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