Comparison of soft tissue nasal changes in unilateral cleft lip and palate with non-cleft lip and palate infants using 3-dimensional imaging

Cleft lip and palate(CLP) is one of the most common congenital birth defects of the craniofacialregion. Unilateral cleft lipand palate infants (UCLP) have a distinct phenotype resulting in variousdegrees of nasolabial asymmetry due to structural deformity from nasolabialanomaly, asymmetrical vermillion border, deviation of nasal septum and a deficientmaxilla. Judgementof nasolabial aesthetics in cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a vital component ofassessment of treatment outcome. Nasoalveolar Moulding is one of the techniques used as a part of Pre surgical Infant Orthopedics, but it is not considered gold standard yet. In infants with cleft lip and palate, the primary lip closure surgery takes place around 3-6 months of age. The purpose of this study is to assess the shape and symmetry of the nose using 3D camera before and after the primary lip surgery in infants who have not undergone any treatment for the cleft lip and palate before the surgery. By evaluating the effectiveness of this approach, this study aims to contribute insights that could inform future strategies, ultimately formulating a treatment plan for patients with Cleft lip and palate right from the birth of these infants till adulthood.