Cleft lip, commonly called harelip for its resemblance to the upper lip of a hare (which is naturally split) originates during the first three months of intrauterine life. It constitutes 15% of congenital malformations. It commonly occurs together with cleft (or fissured) palate. It can occur as incomplete unilateral, complete unilateral or complete bilateral.
The recommended age to perform the first surgery is at 3 months of age. The purpose of this procedure is to restore the group of muscles around the mouth (orbicularis oris muscle) as well as lip closure. The scar is aligned with the natural lines of the upper lip. Even when this first surgical period aims at aligning and obtaining symmetry between nostrils, the need for a rhynoplasty during adolescence is common.
Recovery period is 8 to 10 days.