Muscle reconstruction in unilateral cleft lip.

The problem of muscle reconstruction in cleft lip repair is discussed. Two theories are posited concerning the direction of the muscular bundles of the orbicularis oris muscle. Five methods for muscle repair are presented. The adjacent muscles, use of the lateral muscles or those of both sides, and the mucous membrane are also discussed. We present our method of performing this type of reconstruction, using a Millard skin incision and layer-by-layer closure.