Primary rhinoplasty in unilateral incomplete cleft lip nose: A 4-year follow up

The aim of this study was to assess aesthetic result and parents' satisfaction of primary rhinoplasty in unilateral incomplete cleft lip patients.

Thirty-two consecutive unilateral incomplete cleft lip nose patients were operated in the tertiary hospital from 2012 to 2014. Primary rhinoplasty was done following the principle of the modified McComb repair. Nostril height, dome height, alar base width, nostril height to width ratio, dome height to nostril width ratio, nasolabial angle and columella deviation were measured on preoperative and 4-year postoperative photographs. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was assessed for each parent before the surgery and 4-year postoperatively.

The preoperative and postoperative photographic analysis revealed significant improvement in nostril height ratio and dome height ratio. Nostril height to width ratio and dome height to nostril width ratio significantly increased. Alar base width significantly decreased. The nasolabial and columella deviation angles improved significantly. The mean parent-related satisfactory assessment based on the VAS showed statistically improved scores postoperatively.

We believe this technique with minimal dissection could improve symmetry and satisfaction, although every individual surgeon could choose his preferable technique based on the components of correction that he is capable of executing reliably while considering the long-term outcomes.