Cleft lip and palate is the most common congenital developmental deformity of the oral and maxillofacial region, characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of a cleft lip and cleft palate. Cleft lip, commonly known as a "hare lip," often coexists with cleft palate. It manifests as a unilateral or bilateral fissure in the upper lip and palate. Cleft palate may occur alone or in conjunction with cleft lip. This condition results from incomplete fusion of facial structures during fetal development.
Cleft lip and palate typically presents in the following types:
Classification of cleft lip is shown in the figure:
Classification of cleft palate is shown in the figure:
For cleft lip and palate treatment, Director Zhou Yakuan, the academic leader at Fuzhou Strait Reconstruction Center and former associate chief physician of plastic surgery at a top-tier tertiary hospital in Fujian Province, possesses over 30 years of rich clinical surgical experience and exceptional technical expertise. He has successfully "reconstructed" and saved countless cleft lip and palate patients.
A 19-Year-Old Cleft Lip and Palate Boy's Journey to Fulfillment
This young man shares a profound connection with Dr. Zhou. Eighteen years ago, his father brought him—just six months old—to Dr. Zhou for treatment of a complete left cleft lip and palate.
After Dr. Zhou performed his initial cleft lip repair, the lip shape was excellent. At age one and a half, Dr. Zhou performed a palate repair surgery, resolving functional issues. The patient had previously had a lisp due to the cleft palate, but after the repair, his speech became normal.
As he grew, however, his nasal and lip contours remained suboptimal. Upon returning for cosmetic revision, Director Zhou employed a two-stage reconstruction using auricular cartilage grafting to refine both lip and nasal profiles, yielding a more natural appearance post-surgery.
Furthermore, after primary repair surgery for congenital unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate in early childhood, nasopharyngeal fistulas (connecting the nasal floor to the oral cavity) often develop. During feeding, food and liquids frequently leak through the fistula or nostrils.and nasal discharge flows into the mouth during colds. Fistula repair surgery can be performed during the developmental stage. After this boy's secondary lip and nose deformity correction, not only did his nasal and lip contours appear more natural, but the fistula repair also resolved functional issues with eating and drinking.
The challenge in secondary cleft lip and palate reconstruction lies not only in achieving a normal-appearing lip structure with minimal scarring, but more importantly, in ensuring natural mouth shape and facial expressions when the patient smiles after functional restoration. Only such treatment outcomes can truly benefit the patient.
Other cleft lip and palate, cleft lip cases treated by Director Zhou Yakuan
Beyond cleft lip and palate treatment, Director Zhou Yakuang has also made significant contributions in scar revision and cosmetic excision of superficial lesions. His expertise includes cesarean section scar revision, giant nevus removal, burn sequelae management, reconstructive treatment for contracture deformities, cosmetic scar revision following surgical or traumatic injuries, and management of post-surgical complications in cosmetic surgery.For any of these aesthetic concerns, consult Director Zhou Yakuan at Fuzhou Strait Hospital for diagnosis and treatment. A trusted physician you can rely on.
Public Welfare Assistance: 3 Cases Eligible for 100% Fee Waiver
Fuzhou Straits Hospital is now seeking 3 demonstration surgery cases citywide for complimentary public welfare assistance. Individuals troubled by cleft lip/palate, cesarean section scars, burn scars, surgical/traumatic scars, or facial giant nevi may apply for free treatment.