(1) Background: This study aimed to determine the postoperative vermillion symmetry between the cleft and non-cleft sides of patients with unilateral cleft lip during the early and late postoperative periods. (2) Methods: 57 patients with complete and 38 with incomplete unilateral cleft lips operated on between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively evaluated within 1 month (T1), 9 months to 1 ½ years (T2), and more than 4 years (T3). Vermilion heights of the cleft and non-cleft sides were measured from frontal photographs. The Cleft Lip Component Symmetry Index (CLCSI) was used to determine the symmetry of the cleft and non-cleft sides and was then analyzed. (3) Results: Among the 95 patients studied, vermilion height was excessive on the cleft side throughout the three time periods. There was a significant increase in CLCSI from T1 to T2 for both complete and incomplete types, and a significant increase from T1 to T3 only in the incomplete group and no difference from T2 to T3 for both the groups. (4) Conclusions: Even with efforts to obtain a symmetric vermilion height during the primary cheiloplasty, vermilion height excess was noted with time in complete and incomplete cleft types. Secondary revisional vermilion surgery may be performed to achieve symmetry.
Keywords: modified rotation advancement cheiloplasty; unilateral cleft lip repair; vermillion height; vermillion length.