Lip repair techniques and their influence on the nose

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Cleft nose deformity presents challenges in cleft palate lip repair.
• Nasal form, base, and distorted structures (alar cartilage, septum) require careful attention.
• Lip repair techniques can influence nasal outcomes, even without primary nasal correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of primary nasal correction during cleft lip repair on nasal symmetry.
• To assess the role of nasolabial muscle reconstruction in achieving a symmetrical nose post-operation.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous lip closure and nasal correction techniques were employed.
• Reconstruction of nasolabial muscles, including the orbicularis oris, was a key component.
• Outcomes were assessed based on nasal form, base, and corrected alar cartilage and septum positioning.

Main Results:

• Simultaneous nasal correction alongside lip repair shows promising results for nasal symmetry.
• Reconstruction of nasolabial muscles appears crucial for achieving a symmetrical nose.
• While initial results are encouraging, the need for future operations cannot be entirely ruled out.

Conclusions:

• Primary nasal correction during cleft lip repair is recommended by many authors.
• Current data suggests no significant growth disturbances associated with primary nasal correction.
• Further long-term studies are required to ascertain outcomes after skeletal growth cessation.