Microform cleft lip is a mild form of incomplete cleft lip. It usually appears as a small notch or dent in the red part of the lip (the vermilion), or as a thin line that looks like a scar running from the lip towards the nostril, often with slight changes in the shape of the nose. Even though it looks small, it can affect the shape of the lip and nose, so it is usually assessed by a cleft or facial surgeon, and surgery is often advised in infancy. This guide explains the signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment of microform cleft lip in India. Cleft lip and palate care is available at Newface, Chengannur, Kerala.

 

What Is Microform Cleft Lip?

 

A cleft lip happens when the tissues of the lip do not fully join together during development in the womb. In a microform cleft lip the gap is very small or only partial, so the lip may look almost intact. It can occur on one side or, less often, on both. Read more about cleft lip and palate surgery in Kerala.

 

Signs of Microform Cleft Lip

 

• A small notch or indentation in the vermilion (the red edge of the lip)
• A thin vertical line or groove on the lip that looks like a scar, running up towards the nostril
• A slightly uneven lip line or Cupid’s bow
• A small difference in the nose on the same side, for example a slightly flatter nasal tip, a lower nostril rim or a nostril that sits slightly wider
• A visible pull or furrow in the lip when the child puckers the lips or cries

 

The lip muscle (orbicularis oris) under the notch may not be fully formed or joined, which is one reason the lip shape can look different.

 

Cleft Lip and Palate

 

A cleft lip may occur alone, with a cleft palate, or a cleft palate may occur alone. Overall, these conditions occur in roughly 1 in 700 to 1 in 1,000 births. A microform cleft lip may be missed in the newborn nursery because it is small. A child with a microform cleft lip should be examined for any palate or dental differences as well.

 

Causes and Risk Factors

 

The exact cause is often not known. It is thought to result from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Known risk factors for cleft lip and palate include:

 

• Smoking during pregnancy
• Family history: the chance of a cleft is higher if a parent or sibling has one, so genetic counselling can help families who are planning another pregnancy.
• Certain medicines and health conditions in pregnancy, which a doctor can advise about.

 

Associated Findings

 

Because a microform cleft forms early in development, there may be differences in the upper gum and teeth on the same side, such as a missing, small, extra or oddly shaped tooth next to the front teeth, or an impacted canine tooth. The parents or siblings of a child with a cleft may sometimes show very small lip or nose differences too. These findings are part of why a dental and orthodontic review is advised as the child grows.

 

How Is Microform Cleft Lip Diagnosed?

 

Diagnosis is made by examining the lip, nose and mouth. A surgeon checks the shape of the lip and nose, the lip muscle, the palate and the teeth, and may arrange dental X-rays as the child grows. Some small clefts are noticed only later. Genetic counselling may be offered.

 

Treatment of Microform Cleft Lip

 

Treatment depends on how much the lip and nose are affected. Surgery is the main treatment:

 

• Lip repair: the surgeon corrects the notch, realigns the red lip border and skin, and joins the lip muscle so that the lip shape and movement look as natural as possible. A small scar remains.
• Nasal correction: if the nose is affected, the shape of the nostril and nasal tip may be adjusted at the same time or later. See also paediatric rhinoplasty.
• Timing: lip repair is usually done in infancy, often around 3 to 6 months of age, similar to cleft lip repair. The surgeon decides the timing based on the child’s health and the type of cleft.
• Follow-up: the child is reviewed as they grow, including dental and orthodontic review, and revision surgery may sometimes be needed.

 

Recovery After Microform Cleft Lip Surgery

 

Swelling and bruising are common after surgery and settle over a few weeks. Feeding instructions, wound care and follow-up visits are explained by the surgical team. Contact your doctor if there is bleeding, fever, or increasing redness, swelling or discharge. A scar usually remains and fades with time.

 

Risks of Microform Cleft Lip Surgery

 

As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, the wound opening, uneven lip or nostril shape, and the need for revision surgery. Results are not guaranteed and vary from child to child. Your surgeon should explain these before surgery.

 

Questions to Ask the Surgeon

 

• Does my child need surgery, and when is the best time for it?
• What are the risks for my child?
• Will the nose also need treatment?
• What follow-up is needed as my child grows?

• What should we watch for

  after surgery?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is microform cleft lip? It is a mild form of incomplete cleft lip, seen as a small notch or a thin line on the lip, often with slight changes in the nose.

 

Does microform cleft lip need surgery?
Many children are advised surgery because the lip muscle and the shape of the lip and nose are affected. A surgeon decides after examining your child.

 

When is microform cleft lip surgery done?
Usually in infancy, often around 3 to 6 months of age, as decided by the surgeon.

 

What causes microform cleft lip?
The exact cause is often not known. Genetic and environmental factors, such as smoking in pregnancy and family history, can play a part.

 

Can microform cleft lip be seen before birth?
It is rarely seen on a prenatal scan because it is small, and it is usually noticed after birth.

 

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Information provided by: Dr. Mathew P C, [QUALIFICATIONS], Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Registration status: [REGISTERED]. [STATE MEDICAL COUNCIL / NATIONAL MEDICAL REGISTER] registration no.: [NUMBER].

 

This page provides general health information for education only. It is not a substitute for medical advice and does not promise or guarantee any result. Outcomes vary from person to person.

 

Newface, 8J4F+X7X, Hatchery Junction, Chengannur, Kerala 689122. Phone: +91 8330077198

 

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