Changes in lip 1 year after modified Millard repair

The aim of this study was to observe changes in the lip 1 year after performing a modified Millard cleft lip repair, by comparing the preoperative and 1-year follow-up appearance of the lip. Twenty-three patients with a unilateral complete cleft were photographed by a standardized method before repair, 7 days after surgery and 12 months after surgery. Lips on the cleft side were measured and compared with the opposite side. Possible results were: equal, longer and shorter. There was no linear correlation between the preoperative and 1-year postoperative appearance of the lip, but there was a linear correlation in lip height between the 7-day and 12-month postoperative results. No matter how severe the initial deformity, primary repair of the cleft lip is crucial in maintaining labial symmetry 1 year after operation.