What are the steps involved in Millard's technique for cleft lip repair?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: December 9, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Millard's Technique for Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair

I cannot provide the steps of Millard's technique based on the evidence provided, as none of the documents contain detailed procedural steps for this specific surgical technique. The evidence consists primarily of guidelines about L-PRF (leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin) use in periodontal and bone augmentation procedures, and general cleft palate management guidelines—neither of which describe the surgical steps of Millard's rotation-advancement technique.

What the Evidence Does Show

The available research confirms that Millard's rotation-advancement technique remains one of the most popular methods for unilateral cleft lip repair, but the provided studies focus on modifications rather than the original technique's steps 1, 2, 3, 4.

Key Principles Mentioned (Not Detailed Steps):

  • The technique involves rotation of the non-cleft side flap and advancement of the cleft side flap 1, 5

  • The goal is to create a symmetrical Cupid's bow, philtrum, and minimal scarring 1, 5

  • Multiple surgeons have modified the original technique while maintaining Millard's surgical and anatomical goals 3

  • The technique permits individual manipulation and modifications for each specific patient 3

Timing Considerations from Guidelines:

  • Overt cleft lip repair is typically performed around age 1 year 6, 7

  • Patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary cleft palate team 6, 8

Critical Gap in Evidence

To obtain the actual surgical steps of Millard's technique, you would need access to Millard's original publications or comprehensive surgical atlases that detail the incision patterns, flap designs, and closure sequences specific to his rotation-advancement method.

References

Research

Modification of the repair of a unilateral cleft lip.

The Journal of craniofacial surgery, 2008

Research

Modified Millard's technique in operations for unilateral cleft lip.

Journal of plastic surgery and hand surgery, 2012

Guideline

Treatment Approach for Oral Palate Malformations

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Surgical Management of Incomplete Cleft Lip

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Cleft Palate Reconstruction and Oronasal Fistula Repair Guidelines

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.