BACKGROUND: Surgical repair of cleft lip, while correcting deformity and dysfunction, may leave residual cosmetic imperfections. The resultant asymmetry and low volume of the upper lip can be addressed surgically and via less invasive methods. OBJECTIVE: We present the first reported use of injectable hyaluronic acid to correct the characteristic lip asymmetry and poor volume after surgical repair of a cleft lip. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Using injectable hyaluronic acid, we treated the patient's upper lip to restore symmetry and achieve an augmented volume. RESULTS: We obtained a symmetric correction and aesthetically pleasing volume augmentation in the affected lip. These results lasted approximately 4 months. CONCLUSION: Using a temporary, alloplastic, injectable soft tissue filler such as hyaluronic acid satisfactorily achieves correction of asymmetry and low volume in a surgically repaired cleft lip. For patients who have endured multiple corrective surgeries, this is a novel and less invasive way to improve their cosmetic concerns.
BACKGROUND: Surgical repair of cleft lip, while correcting deformity and dysfunction, may leave residual cosmetic imperfections. The resultant asymmetry and low volume of the upper lip can be addressed surgically and via less invasive methods. OBJECTIVE: We present the first reported use of injectable hyaluronic acid to correct the characteristic lip asymmetry and poor volume after surgical repair of a cleft lip. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Using injectable hyaluronic acid, we treated the patient's upper lip to restore symmetry and achieve an augmented volume. RESULTS: We obtained a symmetric correction and aesthetically pleasing volume augmentation in the affected lip. These results lasted approximately 4 months. CONCLUSION: Using a temporary, alloplastic, injectable soft tissue filler such as hyaluronic acid satisfactorily achieves correction of asymmetry and low volume in a surgically repaired cleft lip. For patients who have endured multiple corrective surgeries, this is a novel and less invasive way to improve their cosmetic concerns.