Unilateral Cleft Lip

Unilateral cleft lip:

In cleft lip, the baby’s lip does not join properly and leaves an open space called cleft. This condition can happen on both sides of the face (bilateral) or on one side (unilateral). The exact cause of this congenital condition remain unknown, however, it is considered that genetic factors are responsible for a small number of cases.

The baby’s mouth develops in two halves late in the first month of pregnancy. Somewhere around the forth months of pregnancy, the two halves of the hard palate join together and figure the mouth roof.

Then, the fusing develops forward and backward to seal the lips and uvula. By the end of forth month, the mouth and nose are fully formed.

However, in children with a cleft lip or cleft palate (or both) the two halves of the lip or palate do not join normally. These conditions vary in severity and extent.

Different types of cleft lip

Unilateral cleft lip affects more commonly Asians and Americans. One out of 690 born children is affected by this facial defect. The various types include:

Microform

The discontinuity of the vermilion cutaneous junction is less than 3 mm. other characteristics may include:

• variable muscular indent along the philtral line
• Subtle nasal asymmetry
• Variable deficiency of vermilion medial to cleft
• Variable alveolar defect

Minor form

The subnasal difference to Cupid’s bow peak distance between sides is more than 3 mm. Other characteristics may include:

• The orbicularis oris is interrupted
• The philtral line depression is prominent
• The nasal asymmetry is more
• Posteroinferior is dislocated of the piriform aperture (in cleft lip side)
• Alveolar cleft

Incomplete 

Full-thickness disjunction of the upper lip occurs. In this type of unilateral cleft lip the upper lip, nasal sill, and floor are continuous though depressed.

Complete

The full-thickness disjunction of the lip extends into the nasal cavity and the alveolus is discontinued.

Cleft lip repair surgery

Cleft repair operation involves fusing the tissues that are separated. There are several different techniques performed by the surgeon, therefore the surgical procedures may also vary. The most prevalent type of this surgery is a rotation advancement repair.

Cleft lip repair surgery is usually performed between 3 _6 months of age. Children born with this condition are monitored closely for enough nutrition and weight gain to assure that they have no problem associated with breathing while eating.