Lip Reconstruction Aesthetics

[amgula]

I would like to find out from other people with Bi-lateral
Cleft Lip conditions- -How does your lip compare with those who
do not have a cleft? Is your lip somewhat flat? or mishapen? Were
you able to have a "cupid's bow" constructed
surgically? Or did you have silicone implanted to fill out the
lip? I want to be sure that I have had every possible revision to
my Cleft-affected upper lip. I've had many revisions, but it's
flat from the base of my nose, there is no "cupid's
bow" defined. Thanks to all who can give any answers. Please
post a response or e-mail me at amgula@sprynet.com

[yvonne]

hello, In response to your question about the cupids bow,my
brother had a bilateral cleft and also palate he is 31 now so his
surgery was done along time ago and he has perfectly lined lips
with a tiny scar.he also had his nose done when he was 18 and it
is perfectly normal. my daughter who is 7mos now was born with a
"healed" cleft lip. her lip healed in the womb but she
has a deep scar and mishapen lip that im searching for a surgeon
to repair but since it is not medically necassary it will be
considered purely cosmetic. i only hope to find a surgeon as good
as my brothers

[rbaer@direct.ca]

Hi there. From what I understand wether or not you have a
cupids bo depends a lot on how much tissue was in the middle part
of the lip before surgery. Our son had a lot of tissue, and
therefore has a perfect shapenut we were always tols that we were
lucky in this. If there isn't enough tissue, they can only do the
best they can to pull it all together, and they don't have the
luxury of creating the middle little 'dip' as we have been
calling it.

[Anonymous]

I just had Abbe Flap lipswitch surgery performed, which will
create cupid's bow, as well as provide length and fullness to
area which was flat above top lip. good luck to you.



my insurance paid for all as is part of birth defect.



so far, i am still swollen, but am recovering. the surgery
was much easier than others i have had.



good luck.

[beth mc]

yvonne- Just in case you are unaware, reconstructive plastic
surgery (to bring your daughter up to the "norm") is
differentiated from cosmetic surgery by insurance companies. A
law has been passed in California that goes into effect in July,
that prohibits insurance companies from turning down
reconstructive surgery claims. If you don't happen to live in
California, your state may have a similar law. Good luck!