Dentist № 4 (59) – 2025, pp. 20-26                                                                                                                        SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION

Characteristics of secondary deformities of the upper lip after cheiloplasty in children

D.A. Hrichaniuk

MD, PhD, Associate professor, Belarusian State Medical University, Minsk, Belarus

https://doi.org/10.32993/dentist.2025.4(59).4

ABSTRACT
Three main aspects reflect the relevance of secondary cicatricial deformities of the upper lip after previous surgery: medical and anatomical-functional aspects, psychosocial and aesthetic aspects, and issues of treatment and prognosis.
The aim of the study. To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the causes, clinical features and methods of correction of secondary deformities of the upper lip after cheiloplasty in children, as well as to develop an algorithm for their prevention and treatment.
Objects and methods. In the period from 2010 to 2025, 293 patients (197 girls and 96 boys) with secondary cicatricial deformation of the upper lip after primary cheiloplasty were treated in the dental department for children and adults of the Minsk Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital and the 4th City Children’s Clinical Hospital.
Results and discussion. The choice of surgical approach depends on the type and severity of the defect, the patient’s age, and the condition of the tissue. The best results are achieved using combined techniques aimed at restoring all layers of the lip: mucosa, muscle, and skin.
Conclusion.  Successful management of patients with secondary upper lip deformity after cheiloplasty requires the collaboration of a pediatric maxillofacial surgeon, orthodontist and, if necessary, speech therapist and psychologist to achieve not only anatomical but also functional and social well-being.

Keywords: cheiloplasty, scar, wound healing, secondary deformity

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Correspondence to:  E-mail: dr_gda@mail.ru