Correction of Retracted Ala Using Spacer Graft in Secondary Cleft Lip and Nose Deformity

PURPOSE: In patients with unilateral cleft lip and nose deformity, alar retraction is commonly seen on the non-cleft side after cleft side is corrected. Spacer graft was used to drag down the inferior border of the alar cartilage of the non-cleft side so as to match the cleft side. By performing spacer graft and septal extension graft together, symmetry and cosmetic improvements were achieved. METHODS: Seven unilateral cleft lip and nose deformity patients underwent surgery for alar retraction correction. The median age was 24 years (ranged from 15 to 34 years), and the median follow-up period was 7.4 months (ranged from 6 to 12 months). The perpendicular length from the longitudinal axis of the nostril to the alar rim, the nasolabial angle and the ala-labial angle were measured in the lateral view photo. The longest perpendicular length from the cephalic border of the alar rim to the parallel line of the alar base was measured in the frontal view photo. RESULTS: Improvement in alar retraction was seen after the surgery. There were no specific complications during the follow-up and the symmetry of both nostrils was satisfactory. No increase in the nasolabial angle or exposure of the nostrils was seen after the tip projection via tip plasty. CONCLUSION: The fundamental factor in correcting alar retraction with secondary cleft lip and nose deformity is repositioning the alar rim with spacer graft, which seems to be more physiologic than other methods. The method combining spacer graft with septal extension graft will bring symmetry as well as more cosmetic improvement in correction of alar retraction with secondary cleft lip and nose deformity.

The Alar Extension Graft for Retracted Ala

PURPOSE: The importance of the deformities in alar - columellar complex has been underestimated in Asian ethnic groups for the last few decades. Fortunately, with increasing familiarity of the open rhinoplasty techniques, the anatomic details of the nasal tip have been pointed up. Definitely, having an interest and demand for improving the sub-normal relationship between the alar rim and columella are indebted for such growing of knowledge about nasal tip anatomy. However, it is true that any single procedure is not settled as versatile and fully confident modality to correct the retracted notching of the alar rim. With this article, I would like to propose another useful option for treating retracted ala. METHODS: The authors have tried to correct alar rim retraction by means of: (1) Triangular onlay septal cartilage graft on the lower lateral cartilage with the medial end fixed to the anterior surface of the lateral crus(Alar extension graft), (2) Inserting lateral end of the alar extension graft to the vestibular skin pocket in the form of a finger-in-groove, (3) using the vestibular skin in the form of an advancement flap, and (4) using the soft shield graft to prevent possible visible step-off of the alar margin. RESULTS: The authors applied an alar extension graft to 16 patients in order to correct a retracted ala for the last 27 months (August 2003-October 2005). The distance from alar rim to long axis of nostril was improved to be within 2mm in all cases, and also the shape of the alar rim changed to a round form. Nostril asymmetry (6%) was observed in one case, temporary palpable step-off (18%) in three cases, temporary visible step-off (6%) in one case, and temporary paresthesia of the tip (25%) in four cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: The alar extension graft is simple and efficacious. It does not need donor sites other than the operative field, and its results are predictable. In particular, since it may give structural intensity to a weak lower lateral cartilage, it may be preferentially used for the correction of a retracted ala that arises from hypoplastic lower lateral cartilage. Moreover intensified lower lateral cartilage also improves the esthetic shape of lobule.