Cleft lip nose: a different approach

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Congenital Deformity Research

Background:

• Cleft lip nose presents significant aesthetic and functional challenges.
• Current treatments often involve complex reconstructions and may require secondary procedures.
• Addressing the nasolabial gap at its origin is crucial for effective repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe a novel surgical technique for treating cleft lip nose.
• To emphasize correcting the nasolabial gap from the foundational structures upwards.
• To provide an alternative approach prioritizing anatomical repositioning over immediate grafting.

Main Methods:

• The proposed technique involves a "bottom-to-top" surgical correction.
• Key steps include orienting the orbicularis oris muscle, creating space for the alar cartilage, and then addressing the nasal tip.
• This method focuses on repositioning, reorganizing, and reorienting affected structures.

Main Results:

• The technique aims to achieve a more symmetrical nasal tip correction.
• It seeks to minimize the need for grafts or implants in the initial stages.
• Early results suggest a potentially improved aesthetic outcome compared to existing methods.

Conclusions:

• The proposed "bottom-to-top" surgical approach offers a new paradigm for cleft lip nose treatment.
• Prioritizing intrinsic structural correction can lead to better functional and aesthetic results.
• This technique underscores the importance of addressing embryological origins in congenital deformity repair.