Table 3.

Surgical techniques in cleft lip repair.

Type of repair	Advantages	Disadvantages
Straight-line closure	Appropriate for microform clefts Rarely used for incomplete and complete clefts	Vertical scar contracture Sacrifice of normal tissue Notching of the lip Blunting of cupid’s bow
Geometric flaps	Appropriate for inexperienced surgeons Preserves Cupid’s bow Amenable to wide clefts	Lack of flexibility Scar violates the philtral subunit
Rotation-advancement flap	Versatility Minimal tissue loss Scar is hidden as a new philtral column Creates tension to reduce nasal flare	Mastered by experienced surgeons Possible small nostril on cleft side Extensive undermining necessary Vertical scar contracture