MODERN APPROACHES TO SURGICAL TREATMENT OF BILATERAL CLEFT LIP AND PALATE IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Congenital cleft lip and palate (CCLP) represent complex craniofacial anomalies associated with significant anatomical and functional impairments of the oral and maxillofacial region. This review examines contemporary surgical approaches to the management of bilateral cleft lip in children, based on an analysis of current domestic and international literature. Clinical observations and published data reveal that patients who have undergone surgery for bilateral cleft lip commonly present with various degrees of midfacial deformities. These include discontinuity of the orbicularis oris muscle, reduced mobility of the central lip segment, nasal alar and tip flattening, reduced upper lip projection, a shallow oral vestibule in the region of the upper incisors, distortion of Cupid's bow, diminished vermilion height, and columellar shortening. Particularly severe secondary deformities are frequently associated with non-standard cheiloplasty techniques, vomer osteotomies, and premaxillary bone resections. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate surgical methods that preserve soft tissue and skeletal integrity to ensure optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes.