Primary lengthening of the columella in bilateral clefts of the lip.

Children with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate were treated by a two stage repair of the lip and nasal floor, including a small prolabial flap to lengthen the columella according to the technique of Skoog. Seventeen of these children, now at least 2 years of age were reviewed. In no case was normal length of the columella obtained, six children had obvious scars, in five the flap bulged at the base of the columella, and in four there was a displacement of the flap toward the lip. Three cases have already required a secondary forked flap. We concluded that the results of this procedure are inconsistent and od not justify the additional scarring.