Outcome Comparisons of Two Different Orbicularis Oris Muscle Reconstruction Techniques in Patients with Unilateral Incomplete Cleft Lip

The long-term postoperative outcomes of two different orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction techniques in patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip were compared.Forty-seven patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip were assessed in this study, where 23 underwent a traditional method of reconstruction and 24 underwent a novel method. Preoperative measurements, postoperative results, and three-year follow-up outcomes were measured by photographic anthropometric analysis. Five upper-lip measurement indices and eight nostril indices were included.The postoperative outcomes showed that the shape of the lip and nose was more symmetrical with the new surgical method compared with the conventional technique. Long-term outcomes after three years, although characterized by minimal changes during maxillofacial development, showed better maintenance of lip and nostril symmetry in the novel-method group.The novel technique seeks to balance the perinasal and perioral muscles, resulting in improved symmetry compared with the traditional reconstruction technique.