Augmentation by autologous adipose tissue in cleft lip and nose. Final esthetic touches in clefts: part I.

Although patients with a cleft lip and palate undergo many surgeries and other therapeutic procedures in the course of their treatment, many are still deeply concerned with their handicap and continue searching for perfection in their appearance. Augmentation using the subject's own fat cells involves minor invasion, is readily available, is an unpretentious method regarding time and cost, and has no contraindications. This method can serve to supplement a hypotrophic scarred upper lip and nasal columella, and by improving the volume, it induces a more natural contour, which reduces the stigmatizing deformity as well as the visibility of externally apparent scars. Using this approach, five patients with a complete cleft have been treated. The median follow-up interval is 22 months (through January 2003). The procedure and postoperative course had a pleasing outcome and were without any complications. The disadvantage was the temporary effect of the outcome, which necessitated repeated application every 7 months on average.