Use of botulinum toxin in cheiloplasty: A new method to decrease tension

Abstract

Objective: To determine if the use of botulinum toxin during cheiloplasty could help in the management of tension at the surgical wound level.

Interventions: Five children younger than six months of age, who were born with complete cleft lip and palate, were treated with a dose of 10 units of botulinum toxin injected into the upper lip during surgery. Before the surgery, an electromyographic study was carried out on the patients' upper lips. A Millard-type cheiloplasty was performed and 10 days later, a second electromyographic study was performed on the upper lips of all the patients.

Results: There was a significant change (P<0.039) in the electromyographic tracing obtained after the application of botulinum toxin, especially during rest.

Conclusion: As confirmed by electromyography, botulinum toxin effectively inhibits the action of the orbicularis oris muscle, especially when at rest; consequently, the tension is decreased at the level of the surgical wound.

Keywords: Botulinum toxin; Cheiloplasty; Cleft lip.