Novel Technique to Repair Unilateral Cleft Lip: Separated Multiple Y-to-V-Plasty under Magnification

BACKGROUND Various techniques have been used for cleft repair such as the straight-line closure, the rotation advancement technique and the anatomic subunit approach which are famous new approaches gained popularity. However, these methods have several advantages and disadvantages and sometimes are difficult to adopt. In this study, we described our novel technique, known as separated multiple Y-to-V-plasty, in treatment of several cases of unilateral cleft lip. METHODS Plastic surgeons usually try to avoid straight closure of the wound, especially in areas where they need to stretch, move and enhance the length of the wound in some stages of the procedure. Since the lip is a dynamic and active structure and is constantly moving, the use of straight-line incision and closure in that area is in conflict with this basic concept. RESULTS In our newly introduced technique, we avoided a straight-line closure along the skin and mucosa for the repair of the unilateral cleft lip. This issue is of utmost importance in cases with severe loss of lip height and discrepancy. CONCLUSION To acquire a natural and balanced shape in unilateral cleft lip repair, we recommended the novel Y-to-V-plasty technique as an effective method for severe unilateral cleft lip with enormous discrepancy.