Primary repair of unilateral cleft lip.

The author's technique for the primary repair of unilateral cleft lip is described, including several improvements made over the last eight years. The technique aims at anatomical reconstruction of congenital anomalies of the orbicularis oris muscle as well as prevention of developmental disturbance and occurrence of deformity after surgical intervention. Cleft lip repair without muscle reconstruction may leave a concavity or a lump in the upper lip movement because of incomplete continuity of the orbicularis oris. No such result was found when muscle reconstruction was performed. In the primary repair of cleft lip, reconstruction of the orbicularis oris muscle is vital to preservation of good function and appearance of the lips.