Top Authority in Cleft Lip and Palate

Dr. Goh Kyung-seok's
Over 30 Years of Research and Clinical Expertise!

Formerly) Head of Plastic Surgery at Seoul Asan Medical Center
Formerly) Chairman of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Dr. Goh Kyung-seok is responsible for every step of the process from start to finish.

Children born with cleft lips and palates have different shapes and formations in their lips and palates.
Correcting the simple shape requires considering the proportions of the entire face.
The nose, jaw, and lips must be adequately designed and operated on to ensure natural appearance and satisfaction after surgery.

With over 30 years of rich experience,
Dr. Goh Kyung-seok presents the right solutions.

O N U L  P L A S T I C  S U R G E R Y

Cleft Lip

Cleft lip and palate are representative congenital deformities that occur in the face.
It refers to cases where the lip is split, known as "cleft lip," and the roof of the mouth is split, known as "cleft palate."
Depending on whether the deformity is unilateral or bilateral, the method and purpose of surgery vary.
 
Cleft lip surgery is typically performed around 12 months of age, and cleft palate surgery is done at one year of age.
Due to differences in average tissue growth and growth rates,
additional surgeries are performed after the growth period to correct nose, jaw, and lip deformities.
These secondary surgeries ensure both functional and aesthetic satisfaction.

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Onul Plastic Surgery Department is dedicated to continuous research and development to provide the premier medical services.

Director Goh Kyung-seok
Based on over 30 years of research and diverse clinical experience,
Director Goh Kyung-seok, renowned domestically and internationally for his unique expertise in reconstructive
plastic surgery, has over 100 published papers, academic journal articles, and book releases.

Cleft Lip and Palate Scar Correction

It's about not only correcting the visible scar
but also accurately understanding and operating on the underlying muscles
and anatomical structures beneath the skin.
 
After the first surgery, during the growth period, the average growth of the swollen part and
surrounding tissues may be hindered.
Because the lip muscle called orbicularis oris was severed from the beginning,
the muscle does not naturally connect, causing a groove to form.
We ensure a more natural philtrum by considering the orbicularis oris muscle,
removing scars, and correcting the philtrum.

01

What the Scar Looks Like

--

Scars that are pulled into a Z-shape,
Separated scars, Scars that remain
in a thread-like shape

02

What the Scar Shape Is

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Protruding scar (hypertrophic),
Indented scar (atrophic),
Zigzag scars caused by postoperative contracture

03

Where the Scar Is Located

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Scar aligned parallel to the philtrum,
Scar extending from the nose in a diagonal line,
Scar spreading in various directions

04

The Texture of the Scar

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Soft texture, similar to the surrounding skin,
Firm texture due to adhesion and tissue damage,
Uneven texture due to irregular healing

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Cleft Lip Revision Surgery

The shape of the lips varies depending on the severity and the extent of the initial repair and scarring.
Adjustments need to be made for both the height and thickness of the upper lip.
If there is insufficient tissue, techniques such as fat or dermal grafting may be required.

01

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Adjusting
the shape of the lips

02

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Filling and enlarging areas
with insufficient tissue

03

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Considering the lip mound's
height and curvature
to match the lips' contour.

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Cleft Lip Nose Surgery

(Cleft Rhinoplasty)

For cleft lip and palate, the growth inhibition of the suture area causes development issues.
The difference in growth rate between normal and scar tissue from the first surgery leads to relative imbalance.
 
Various surgical methods, such as cartilage grafting, nasal bone surgery, columella elongation,
nostril symmetry correction, etc., are used to correct these deformities for a more balanced appearance

Unilateral Nasal Deformity

01

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Reduce the size difference
of the nostrils.

02

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Adjust the height of the
uneven base inside the nose.

03

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Correct the asymmetry of
the nasal bridge and
internal bone structure.

04

--

Straighten and elevate
the twisted columella
between the nostrils.

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Bilateral Nasal Deformity

01

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Confirm the shape of the
flared nostrils to decide on
the use of cartilage grafts.

02

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Shape the nostrils
into a balanced form.

03

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Lift the collapsed
inner nasal structure
which is uneven.

04

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In severe cases, perform
tissue grafts to reconstruct
the shape of the columella.

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Removing the scar and immediately correcting the shape perfectly wholly is impossible.
However, we will do our utmost to ensure that this
surgery can be the last one needed.

We hope to create a happy society where all individuals
with medical disadvantages can live healthy lives
while dreaming of a precious future.
We aim to share medical knowledge and provide continuous support.

Onul Plastic Surgery Clinic Specialists

Goh Kyung-seok

Chief Surgeon

Kirk Insoo

Chief Surgeon

Social Contribution

Onul Plastic Surgery Clinic is conducting a Happiness Sharing Campaign
to support domestic and international medically disadvantaged patients
who are marginalized under challenging environments

As the first domestic and international medical NGO, Global Care, Onul Plastic Surgery Clinic, and the medical group ‘Injee Club’ provide free cleft lip and palate surgeries.
  
Since 1997, we have offered free surgeries to children with cleft lip and palate in developing countries.
We have operated on 1,739 children in Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. Additionally,
we conduct on-site medical education and training sessions for local doctors, fostering continuous medical exchange and cooperation.

CONTACT US
+82 10 9787 4402
+82 10 3952 3315
+82 10 3952 3315
EMAIL US
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Please note – In regards to the before and after photos on this website, results may vary depending on each patient’s case.