A New Method for the Primary Repair of Unilateral Cleft Lip

The author reports primary repair of complete unilateral cleft lip using three flaps: (1) a small triangular flap at the vermilion border; (2) a large triangular flap at the upper lip; and (3) an alar flap. This method has the advantages that the design can be made by any beginner in plastic surgery; reconstruction of the nostril floor is simple; operative results are good and constant even for a beginner; and retardation of the maxilla is minimal or nonexistent.