Hyaluronic Acid Fillers to Correct Cleft Lip Asymmetry in Adults: Description of Technique and Patient Reported Outcome Measure Using CLEFT-Q

Abstract

Objective To determine the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HLA) lip filler to correct subtle cleft lip asymmetries in adults using a validated patient reported outcome measure (PROM). Design Prospective cross sectional. Setting UK National Health Service. Patients, Participants Over 18 years old with repaired cleft lip and dissatisfaction of their lip appearance. Interventions HLA lip filler injection. Main Outcome Measures A validated, cleft specific PROM, the lip module of CLEFT-Q™ prior to treatment and again after six weeks. Results 24 patients included. A mean total CLEFT-Q™ score pre-procedure was 14.9 (Stand deviation (SD) = 4.91) and 24 (SD = 6.08) post-procedure. Difference in mean total score pre- and post-procedure were statically significant ( P = .0001) in all domains on the CLEFT-Q™. No adverse outcomes. Conclusion HLA filler to correct subtle cleft lip asymmetries in adults is a simple low risk technique, which can significantly improve the patient's perception of lip appearance. Conclusion HLA lip filler to correct subtle cleft lip asymmetries in adults is a simple technique, low risk procedure which can significantly improve the patient's perception of lip appearance.