[33 cases of craniofacial clefts: experience in diagnosis and treatment with tessier classification].

Objective: To introduce our experience in diagnosis and treatment of 33 patients with Tessier craniofacial clefts.

Methods: 33 patients with craniofacial clefts were classified by Tessier classification. According to the type and severity of the clefts, various techniques, from simple local flap transfer to complicated osteotomy and bone grafting were used to correct the deformity in 29 patients.

Results: All patients who underwent corrective operation were satisfied with the result, and there were no complications.

Conclusions: (1) Tessier classification is very important for plastic surgeon to find potential craniofacial deformities related to main signs. (2) No. 7 cleft is one of most common Tessier craniofacial clefts. (3) Each Tessier cleft is unique, therefore, the treatment plans cannot be standardized. Specific corrective operation must be performed on each patient according to the type and severity of the cleft, including simple local flap transfer to complicated osteotomy and bone grafting or distraction osteogenesis.