Alar Base Augmentation Using Vomerine Bone Graft in Patients With Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Aesthetic Surgery

Background:

• Unilateral alar base depression presents a significant challenge in achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes.
• Previous augmentation techniques have often yielded suboptimal results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel surgical technique for correcting unilateral alar base depression using vomer bone grafts.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 11 patients with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity.
• Vomer bone was harvested via submucosal dissection and utilized as an onlay graft.
• Morphometric analysis of perioperative photographs and computed tomography scans were performed.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in nostril width and height/width ratio were observed.
• Remarkable improvement in columellar angle and lateral lip height.
• Overall enhancement in nasal tip aesthetics.

Conclusions:

• Vomer bone grafts effectively correct alar base deformities, improving nasal and nostril symmetry.
• Vomer bone is a viable and reliable autologous graft source with no observed resorption.