Bilateral cleft lip may be either symmetrical or asymmetrical, in which case the lip is split more on one side than on the other. In this cleft, the nasal deformity is associated with severe clefting of the lip. When the cleft extends only into the lower portion of the lip and is symmetrical, the nose may not be affected. It is important in this cleft form that the alveolus, teeth and palate remain intact.
Surgery is the only treatment necessary.
Depending on the severity of the cleft, it may be performed in one or two stages. If surgery is performed in one stage, both sides are operated on, and the lip is totally reconstructed. When the procedure is performed in two stages, each side is closed in a separate operation. The decision depends on the severity of the cleft. Bilateral Incomplete Cleft of the Lip.