The importance of muscular reconstruction in the treatment of cleft lip and palate.

In the surgical management of cleft lip and palate, the reconstruction of the paranasal and perioral mimic musculature is of particular value. These muscles are decisive for the shaping of the bones in the middle of the face. Early application of this technique can prevent secondary skeletal changes, or can at least reduce them to such an extent that they can be treated orthodontically.