Nasal deformity in unilateral cleft lip

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Unilateral cleft lip often presents with significant nasal deformity.
• Key anatomical features include alar cartilage attenuation, medial crus displacement, and alar base thickening.
• Accurate correction is crucial for both aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a surgical technique for primary correction of nasal deformity in unilateral cleft lip.
• To describe the anatomical characteristics of the deformity and the surgical approach to address them.
• To evaluate the immediate outcomes of the described surgical technique.

Main Methods:

• Surgical correction performed on 25 patients aged 5 months to 30 years.
• Technique involves bilateral gingivolabial sulcus incision with intercartilaginous incision for exposure.
• Includes release of alar base and columella, freeing of alar cartilage, and repositioning.

Main Results:

• The surgical technique addresses specific anatomical abnormalities like cartilage displacement and alar base thickening.
• Repositioning of alar cartilage and dome achieved through mattress sutures and nasal packing.
• Immediate post-operative results were deemed satisfactory.

Conclusions:

• The described surgical technique provides an effective method for primary correction of nasal deformity in unilateral cleft lip.
• Addressing the specific anatomical features of the deformity is key to successful outcomes.
• The technique demonstrates satisfactory immediate results, suggesting its potential efficacy.