Publication:

Impact of secondary surgical correction on self-perception, function and psychosocial outcomes in cleft lip and palate patients evaluated with the CLEFT-Q

Background Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is associated with persistent aesthetic and psychosocial sequelae. While secondary corrections aim to improve appearance and function, their impact on patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) remains variable. This study compares facial self-image, functional outcomes and psychosocial well-being between CLP patients with and without secondary aesthetic correction.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using the CLEFT-Q instrument. Patients were divided into two groups based on their history of secondary aesthetic correction (Yes/No). Scores for facial self-image, function and psychosocial well-being were compared using Student’s t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results Sixty-nine patients were included (n=29 Yes; n=40 No). Patients who underwent secondary correction reported significantly higher scores in facial self-image (2.37 vs. 1.95; p=0.015) and psychosocial well-being (2.96 vs. 2.69; p=0.019). No significant difference was found in functional outcomes (2.86 vs. 2.61; p=0.11).

Conclusions Secondary correction significantly improves facial self-image and psychosocial well-being in CLP patients. These findings underscore the clinical value of secondary revisions as an essential component of comprehensive cleft care, demonstrating that benefits extend beyond anatomical reconstruction to significantly impact patient quality of life.