Aesthetic camouflage of bilateral cleft lip scars.

Two operative scar lines remain after bilateral cleft lip repair. A method has been devised in which the two scar lines are reduced into one. The characteristics of this method include (1) an inconspicuous scar, (2) elevation of the nasal tip using the prolabium, (3) repair of the whistling deformity, (4) a natural-looking mustache, (5) formation of a pout, and (6) psychological benefits. Good results have been obtained with this method. The disadvantage of this method is the maxillary retardation. However, this does not occur in adults and can be corrected easily in children.