In unilateral cleft lip and palate, the orbicularis muscle, the alveolar bone, the floor of the nose, and the hard and soft palate are interrupted, creating an open communication between nasopharynx and oropharynx. Patients with a cleft lip and palate are treated in specialized cleft centers by a multidisciplinary team. Having cleft lip and/or palate has a noteworthy impact on quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Surgical scars are in the center of the face and can be quite noteworthy. Postoperative scarring is a common cause of patient dissatisfaction.
Here, we describe a patient with an unpleasing esthetic result after surgical correction of unilateral cleft lip and palate in China. After careful surgical planning, scar excision and a single Z-plasty were performed to achieve scar lengthening. Pre- and postoperative images are shown.
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