Lipofilling in patients with a cleft lip (and palate) – a pilot study assessing functional outcomes and patients’ satisfaction with appearance

Abstract Introduction Lipofilling of the upper lip as secondary treatment in patients with a cleft lip (and palate) (CL ± P) has been proposed to improve projection and volume especially in profile view. The purpose of the present study was to document differences in functional (i.e. logopaedic) and self-reported aesthetic outcomes by comparing pre- and postoperative results after lipofilling of the upper lip in patients with CL ± P. Methods Eight Dutch-speaking youngsters and young adults (three women, five men) with CL ± P were included. The median age was 19 years (range: 14–24 years). Logopaedic outcomes (i.e. assessment of orofacial myofunctional behavior, articulation and lip strength) and self-reported aesthetic outcome (i.e. patients’ satisfaction using the Cleft Evaluation Profile) were determined. Results Neither for lip strength and orofacial myofunctional behavior nor for articulation statistically significant differences were found when comparing measurements before and after lipofilling. Regarding patients’ satisfaction, a statistically significant increased self-evaluation of appearance in profile was found after lipofilling. Conclusion Regarding functionality, the present study did not find any differences when comparing outcomes before and after lipofilling. Nevertheless, patients were more satisfied with appearance in profile after performance of this technique. As this is a small sample study, further research and long-term follow-up studies are necessary.