Rehabilitation for the post-cleft nasolabial stigma

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Central facial stigma following cleft lip repair presents a significant reconstructive challenge.
• Psychological distress associated with these deformities necessitates effective surgical solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a surgical technique for correcting post-cleft central facial deformities.
• To outline methods for achieving optimal nasal tip projection and overall facial aesthetics.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing an "elephant trunk" open surgical approach.
• Restoring existing facial structures and augmenting with a central cartilage or bony columellar strut.
• Incorporating cartilage grafting for nasal tip projection.

Main Results:

• The described technique allows for rewarding improvements in central facial deformities.
• Successful nasal tip projection can be achieved through structural augmentation.
• Comprehensive surgical planning, including potential maxillary or lip revisions, is crucial.

Conclusions:

• A combination of the "elephant trunk" approach and columellar strut grafting is effective for post-cleft central facial reconstruction.
• Addressing the entire facial deformity, including associated maxillary or lip issues, is vital for optimal outcomes.