Correction of Tethered Upper Lip Deformity Following Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair

Abstract

Background: Shallow upper buccal sulcus, vertical shortness (whistling deformity), and limited mobility of the median part of the upper lip are among the most common secondary deformities following surgical repair of wide bilateral cleft lip. They are often encountered together as a triad of postoperative deformities with a common etiology. To date, there has been no surgical procedure to correct these 3 associated deformities in 1 stage.