Reducing the Cleft Nose Deformity in Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Bilateral cleft lip and nose deformities present significant challenges in reconstructive surgery.
• The nasal deformity often remains a prominent and persistent cosmetic concern for patients post-repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present three technical principles for optimizing nasolabial results in bilateral cleft lip repair.
• To minimize residual cleft nose deformity through specific surgical techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing cephalad rotation of C-flaps from the prolabium to define the nasolabial angle.
• Establishing nasal base and contour prior to lip repair, acknowledging differing tension vectors.
• Employing specialized suspension and shaping stitches for alar definition post-cartilage release, avoiding extra scars.

Main Results:

• The described techniques facilitate improved definition of the nasolabial angle.
• Pre-setting nasal anatomy aids in achieving better symmetry and contour.
• Targeted suturing techniques effectively shape and position alar cartilages without additional scarring.

Conclusions:

• These three principles offer a structured approach to enhance aesthetic outcomes in bilateral cleft lip and nose repair.
• Focusing equally on nasal and lip components is crucial for minimizing long-term deformity.
• The techniques aim to provide a more refined and natural-appearing result for patients.