**4. Goals of surgical repair**

*"If you know what you value, then making a decision is easy."*

—Walt Disney

The goals of unilateral cleft lip repair are both functional and aesthetic. In order to address these goals, one must understand the anatomical characteristics of unilateral cleft lip. Aesthetically the goals of surgical intervention include formation of lip continuity, establishing symmetry of the cupid's bow and the nose in a manner that places scars in less discernable areas. Recreation of the orbicularis muscle to circumferentially surround the opening of the oral cavity is impor‐ tant for long‐lasting cosmetic outcomes and lip and mouth function. Patients with isolated cleft lip rarely have feeding problems, unlike those with cleft palate. However, enrolling the child in a multidisciplinary clinic is advised to address the needs of each patient and family.
