Cleft lip, commonly known as rabbit lip, is a common congenital malformation in maxillofacial region. Cleft lip is caused by the obstruction of normal tissue development of fetal lips in early embryo under the influence of many factors. It is generally believed that it is most closely related to genetic factors and environmental factors.

1. There are similar deformities in parents or relatives of children with cleft lip.

2. Lack of maternal nutrition such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamins. During pregnancy, the mother's trauma or viral infection can lead to cleft lip.

3. Some drugs can enter the embryo through the placenta and cause malformation, such as anti-malignant tumor drugs and adrenocortical hormone.

4. Endocrine factors, such as increased secretion of adrenocortical hormone, can lead to deformity.

therapeutic method

Cleft lip repair is to restore the normal anatomical shape and sucking function of the lip through surgery.

Selection of operation period: generally, the suitable age for unilateral cleft lip repair is about 3 ~ 6 months after birth. Bilateral cleft lip should be performed 6 ~ 12 months after birth because of complicated operation and more bleeding.

Cleft lip surgery requires incision dehiscence, accurate alignment, layered suture, fine needle and fine thread, gentle movement, and minimize postoperative scars.

If there is still a defect after cleft lip surgery, secondary repair should be carried out after 12 years old.

Matters needing attention

Women should pay attention to the balance of nutritional intake during pregnancy, avoid being infected with viruses, and do not use drugs that affect embryo development. Avoid all bad mental stimulation, exposure to radiation and trauma in early pregnancy. Pregnant women with diabetes, anemia, gynecological diseases and hypothyroidism should be treated as soon as possible.