A retrospective evaluation of the aesthetics of the nasolabial complex after unilateral cleft lip repair using the Tennison-Randall technique: a study of 44 cases treated in a single cleft center.

INTRODUCTION

Among numerous techniques that have been described for lip repair, the Tennison-Randall method has gained popularity over time and is preferred by many surgeons due to the predictability of the outcome. This study aims to evaluate the esthetic outcome reached in the nasolabial region following primary lip repair with the use of this method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-four patients with unilateral cleft lip (with or without alveolar cleft) were assessed retrospectively through a photographic evaluation by two clinicians with regard to the aesthetics of the lip and nose separately as anatomical subunits as well as of the nasolabial region as an anatomical complex. The collected data were statistically analyzed with regard to the cleft subtype and the performance of corrective surgeries for the lip and/or the nose.

RESULTS

The method was associated with good results, especially when it comes to the appearance of the nose as an anatomical subunit, as well as of the nasolabial region as a complex, regarding cleft lip patients without an alveolar cleft.

CONCLUSION

The Tennison-Randall technique proved to be a very satisfying method in terms of the esthetic long-term outcome in our patient collective.