Cleft lips vary in their degree of severity.Cleft lipis distressing for parents, as they don’t wanttheir childto feel self-conscious or to be the focus of ridicule.
Cleft lip has historically been referred to as “hare lip.” This moniker came about because of the natural split that is present in the upper lip of rabbits/hares. The term hare lip is no longer used in the medical community as it is viewed as derogatory.
Cleft lip andcleft palateare different. A cleft lip affects the upper lip, whereas a cleft palate is a gap in the roof of the mouth. Not all individuals with cleft lips have a cleft palate. And not all individuals with a cleft palate have a cleft lip. It is possible for an individual to have both a cleft lip and a cleft palate.
In this article, you will learn the names of the parts of a normal lip. Knowing what a normal lip looks like will help you better understand what parts of the lip are abnormal in a cleft lip. You will also learn about the different types of cleft lips — unilateral versus bilateral, complete versus incomplete.
Unilateral means the lip has a cleft on one side.Bilateralmeans there is a cleft on both sides. Complete indicates that the cleft extends from the lip all the way into the nose. Incomplete involves the lip but spares the nose.
Causes of Cleft Lip
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Normal Lip Anatomy
Lisa Stirling / Getty Images
To understand the abnormalities of a cleft lip defect, it’s necessary to understand what a normal lip looks like. Normal anatomy consists of an upper and lower lip. Cleft lip affects the upper lip. The upper lip has several components.
2Microform Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.A microform cleft lip (also known as a “forme fruste”) is the mildest version of a cleft lip and is categorized as an incomplete cleft. A microform cleft lip does not have the obvious cleft appearance of the other clefts. It may simply appear as a vertical scar from the lip to the nose. There may be a notch in the vermillion border and the nose may be affected.While a microform cleft may not be obvious, there may still be a problem with functionality. There is some disruption of the continuity of the orbicularis oris muscle. This may cause eating and drinking issues as well as speech issues.The nose is usually normal with a microform cleft deformity. The actor, Joaquin Phoenix, has a microform cleft lip. It appears as if he has a surgical scar from repair of a cleft lip. In actuality, that is his natural appearance.
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Microform Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.A microform cleft lip (also known as a “forme fruste”) is the mildest version of a cleft lip and is categorized as an incomplete cleft. A microform cleft lip does not have the obvious cleft appearance of the other clefts. It may simply appear as a vertical scar from the lip to the nose. There may be a notch in the vermillion border and the nose may be affected.While a microform cleft may not be obvious, there may still be a problem with functionality. There is some disruption of the continuity of the orbicularis oris muscle. This may cause eating and drinking issues as well as speech issues.The nose is usually normal with a microform cleft deformity. The actor, Joaquin Phoenix, has a microform cleft lip. It appears as if he has a surgical scar from repair of a cleft lip. In actuality, that is his natural appearance.
Microform Cleft Lip
Verywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.
A microform cleft lip (also known as a “forme fruste”) is the mildest version of a cleft lip and is categorized as an incomplete cleft. A microform cleft lip does not have the obvious cleft appearance of the other clefts. It may simply appear as a vertical scar from the lip to the nose. There may be a notch in the vermillion border and the nose may be affected.
While a microform cleft may not be obvious, there may still be a problem with functionality. There is some disruption of the continuity of the orbicularis oris muscle. This may cause eating and drinking issues as well as speech issues.
The nose is usually normal with a microform cleft deformity. The actor, Joaquin Phoenix, has a microform cleft lip. It appears as if he has a surgical scar from repair of a cleft lip. In actuality, that is his natural appearance.
3Unilateral Complete Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.A unilateral cleft lip only affects one side of the upper lip. These are the most common types of cleft lip. Two-thirds of theCupid’s bow, one philtral column, and the philtral dimple are preserved on the noncleft/normal side. The cleft extends all the way from the lip to the nose in a complete cleft lip.The orbicularis oris muscle is not in continuity in a complete cleft lip. Instead of encircling the mouth, the muscle inserts into the base of the nose on both sides of the cleft. This disruption creates difficulty speaking, eating and drinking.The nose is distorted with a cleft lip deformity. The nostril is widened and the floor of the nostril is missing in a complete cleft lip deformity.
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Unilateral Complete Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.A unilateral cleft lip only affects one side of the upper lip. These are the most common types of cleft lip. Two-thirds of theCupid’s bow, one philtral column, and the philtral dimple are preserved on the noncleft/normal side. The cleft extends all the way from the lip to the nose in a complete cleft lip.The orbicularis oris muscle is not in continuity in a complete cleft lip. Instead of encircling the mouth, the muscle inserts into the base of the nose on both sides of the cleft. This disruption creates difficulty speaking, eating and drinking.The nose is distorted with a cleft lip deformity. The nostril is widened and the floor of the nostril is missing in a complete cleft lip deformity.
Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip
A unilateral cleft lip only affects one side of the upper lip. These are the most common types of cleft lip. Two-thirds of theCupid’s bow, one philtral column, and the philtral dimple are preserved on the noncleft/normal side. The cleft extends all the way from the lip to the nose in a complete cleft lip.
The orbicularis oris muscle is not in continuity in a complete cleft lip. Instead of encircling the mouth, the muscle inserts into the base of the nose on both sides of the cleft. This disruption creates difficulty speaking, eating and drinking.
The nose is distorted with a cleft lip deformity. The nostril is widened and the floor of the nostril is missing in a complete cleft lip deformity.
4Unilateral Incomplete Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.A unilateral cleft lip has clefting of the lip on one side only. There is a normal philtral column, Cupid’s bow and philtral dimple on the side without a cleft. What makes it different from a complete cleft lip is that some orbicularis muscle fibers may cross the cleft.Incomplete cleft lips can take on a variety of appearances. There may be just a small gap or cleft in the vermillion or it may slightly extend into the skin above the lip or extend almost to the nostril.As with a complete cleft lip deformity, the nose has some distortion. The distortion is usually to a lesser degree. The nostril may be widened, but the floor of the nostril is intact. Additionally, there is a bridge of tissue at the base of the nostril on the cleft side. This is known as a Simonart’s band.
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Unilateral Incomplete Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.A unilateral cleft lip has clefting of the lip on one side only. There is a normal philtral column, Cupid’s bow and philtral dimple on the side without a cleft. What makes it different from a complete cleft lip is that some orbicularis muscle fibers may cross the cleft.Incomplete cleft lips can take on a variety of appearances. There may be just a small gap or cleft in the vermillion or it may slightly extend into the skin above the lip or extend almost to the nostril.As with a complete cleft lip deformity, the nose has some distortion. The distortion is usually to a lesser degree. The nostril may be widened, but the floor of the nostril is intact. Additionally, there is a bridge of tissue at the base of the nostril on the cleft side. This is known as a Simonart’s band.
Unilateral Incomplete Cleft Lip
A unilateral cleft lip has clefting of the lip on one side only. There is a normal philtral column, Cupid’s bow and philtral dimple on the side without a cleft. What makes it different from a complete cleft lip is that some orbicularis muscle fibers may cross the cleft.
Incomplete cleft lips can take on a variety of appearances. There may be just a small gap or cleft in the vermillion or it may slightly extend into the skin above the lip or extend almost to the nostril.
As with a complete cleft lip deformity, the nose has some distortion. The distortion is usually to a lesser degree. The nostril may be widened, but the floor of the nostril is intact. Additionally, there is a bridge of tissue at the base of the nostril on the cleft side. This is known as a Simonart’s band.
5Bilateral Complete Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.A bilateral complete cleft lip affects both the right and left sides of the lip. There are no philtral columns, no philtral dimple, and there is no orbicularis muscle in the central segment.On both sides, the cleft extends from the vermillion to the nostril. The lack of continuity in the muscle makes clear speech difficult for these individuals. Feeding can be more difficult.There is nasal distortion with a bilateral complete cleft lip. Both alar rims are widened, the nasal sills are missing and the nose takes on a flattened appearance.
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Bilateral Complete Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.A bilateral complete cleft lip affects both the right and left sides of the lip. There are no philtral columns, no philtral dimple, and there is no orbicularis muscle in the central segment.On both sides, the cleft extends from the vermillion to the nostril. The lack of continuity in the muscle makes clear speech difficult for these individuals. Feeding can be more difficult.There is nasal distortion with a bilateral complete cleft lip. Both alar rims are widened, the nasal sills are missing and the nose takes on a flattened appearance.
Bilateral Complete Cleft Lip
A bilateral complete cleft lip affects both the right and left sides of the lip. There are no philtral columns, no philtral dimple, and there is no orbicularis muscle in the central segment.
On both sides, the cleft extends from the vermillion to the nostril. The lack of continuity in the muscle makes clear speech difficult for these individuals. Feeding can be more difficult.
There is nasal distortion with a bilateral complete cleft lip. Both alar rims are widened, the nasal sills are missing and the nose takes on a flattened appearance.
6Bilateral Incomplete Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.A bilateral cleft lip has a gap on both sides of the upper lip. Just like with a bilateral complete cleft lip, the philtral columns are affected. To what degree depends on how far up the cleft extends from the vermillion. There may be some orbicularis muscle intact. The nostril sills are intact. The philtral dimple is intact.In a bilateral incomplete cleft lip deformity, the nose is affected, although not to the same degree as with a bilateral complete cleft lip deformity. In those individuals with a bilateral cleft lip deformity, one side may be an incomplete deformity and the other side a complete deformity.
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Bilateral Incomplete Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.A bilateral cleft lip has a gap on both sides of the upper lip. Just like with a bilateral complete cleft lip, the philtral columns are affected. To what degree depends on how far up the cleft extends from the vermillion. There may be some orbicularis muscle intact. The nostril sills are intact. The philtral dimple is intact.In a bilateral incomplete cleft lip deformity, the nose is affected, although not to the same degree as with a bilateral complete cleft lip deformity. In those individuals with a bilateral cleft lip deformity, one side may be an incomplete deformity and the other side a complete deformity.
Bilateral Incomplete Cleft Lip
A bilateral cleft lip has a gap on both sides of the upper lip. Just like with a bilateral complete cleft lip, the philtral columns are affected. To what degree depends on how far up the cleft extends from the vermillion. There may be some orbicularis muscle intact. The nostril sills are intact. The philtral dimple is intact.
In a bilateral incomplete cleft lip deformity, the nose is affected, although not to the same degree as with a bilateral complete cleft lip deformity. In those individuals with a bilateral cleft lip deformity, one side may be an incomplete deformity and the other side a complete deformity.
7Mixed Bilateral Incomplete and Complete Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.In those who have a bilateral cleft lip, one side may be an incomplete cleft lip and the other side a complete cleft lip deformity. An incomplete cleft lip may be barely imperceptible.
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Mixed Bilateral Incomplete and Complete Cleft LipVerywell / Millicent Odunze, M.D., M.P.H.In those who have a bilateral cleft lip, one side may be an incomplete cleft lip and the other side a complete cleft lip deformity. An incomplete cleft lip may be barely imperceptible.
Mixed Bilateral Incomplete and Complete Cleft Lip
In those who have a bilateral cleft lip, one side may be an incomplete cleft lip and the other side a complete cleft lip deformity. An incomplete cleft lip may be barely imperceptible.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCleft lip can be repaired surgically. Most surgeries for cleft lip are done in the first 3 to 6 months of life, with follow-up surgeries during later childhood. The goal of these surgeries is to improve the appearance of the cleft lip as well as make it easier for the child to eat, speak, and hear.With treatment, most children born with cleft lip have a normal life expectancy. Children with cleft lip who die in infancy often have other congenital abnormalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleft lip can be repaired surgically. Most surgeries for cleft lip are done in the first 3 to 6 months of life, with follow-up surgeries during later childhood. The goal of these surgeries is to improve the appearance of the cleft lip as well as make it easier for the child to eat, speak, and hear.
With treatment, most children born with cleft lip have a normal life expectancy. Children with cleft lip who die in infancy often have other congenital abnormalities.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cleft lip/cleft palate.Kang SL, Narayanan CS, Kelsall W.Mortality among infants born with orofacial clefts in a single cleft network.Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2012;49(4):508-11. doi: 10.1597/10-179
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cleft lip/cleft palate.Kang SL, Narayanan CS, Kelsall W.Mortality among infants born with orofacial clefts in a single cleft network.Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2012;49(4):508-11. doi: 10.1597/10-179
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cleft lip/cleft palate.Kang SL, Narayanan CS, Kelsall W.Mortality among infants born with orofacial clefts in a single cleft network.Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2012;49(4):508-11. doi: 10.1597/10-179
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cleft lip/cleft palate.
Kang SL, Narayanan CS, Kelsall W.Mortality among infants born with orofacial clefts in a single cleft network.Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2012;49(4):508-11. doi: 10.1597/10-179
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