OBJECTIVETo explore the secondary correction demand rule for unilateral cleft lip patients.

METHODSThe population in parts of Henan province were investigated by census method. The unilateral cleft lip patients underwent the primary correction were selected and be photographed, and 100 patients were selected randomly into study. The subjective satisfaction for the patients' facial appearance was evaluated by three groups: Professional group(cleft lip and palate specialist), non-professional group (the hospital administrative staff), and family members of patients group. The facial symmetry rate was measured for the patients with consistent subjective evaluation.

RESULTSThe rate of facial symmetry and subjective evaluation was not convergence. The subjective evaluation disaffect rates of profes-sional and non-professional groups were higher than that in family members of patients group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe rate of facial symmetry is not the most suitable method to evaluate the demand of the secondary correction for unilateral cleft lip patients.