Three-dimensional evaluation of facial asymmetry in cleft lip and palate.

The purpose of the present study was to describe facial asymmetry in three dimensions in individuals with an operated complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and in individuals without craniofacial anomalies (controls). Three-dimensional coordinates for 16 bilateral and 10 midsagittal facial landmarks were determined for the UCLP group (N = 49) and the control group (N = 80) by means of stereophotogrammetry. The total asymmetry was measured and resolved for transverse, vertical, and sagittal components. It can be concluded that all three components are important in studies on facial asymmetry. Individuals with UCLP show more facial asymmetry in the vertical direction than controls. They demonstrate more facial asymmetry in the region related to the cleft than controls. And, males in general demonstrate more asymmetry of the nose than females.