L-Shaped Septal Extension Spreader Graft for Improvement of Tip Symmetry in Unilateral Cleft Lip Nose Deformities.

INTRODUCTION: The unilateral cleft lip nose is characterized by numerous complex and interdependent deformities. Secondary rhinoplasty techniques aim to correct cleft lip nose deformities by using multiple maneuvers combining septum and nasal spine medialization and alar cartilage, as well as soft tissue mobilization and repositioning. Moreover, cartilage grafting is frequently used to restore adequate tip projection and nasal symmetry. We present a technique of cartilage grafting commonly used in noncleft rhinoplasties that we modified for cases of moderate cleft lip nose deformities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present a retrospective case study of 21 patients with moderate unilateral cleft lip nose deformities who underwent secondary septorhinoplasty with an L-shaped septal extension spreader graft combined with alar rim, alar batten graft, and soft tissue repositioning. Exclusion criteria were severe or complex septal deviation avoiding a stable fixation of the graft. Mean follow-up time was 28 months. Surgical outcomes were analyzed by anthropometric measurements of standardized preoperative and postoperative photographs. RESULTS: All parameters improved except for the nostril height. The height between the alar base and the dome defining dome symmetry, as well as the angles between the lower lateral cartilage and the alar base (α) defining the orientation of the alar rim, improved significantly. The mean ratios of cleft/noncleft side of the height between the alar base and the dome and α showed statistically significant improvements from 0.833 (preoperative) to 0.994 (postoperative) (P < 0.0001) and from 0.883 to 1.02 (P = 0.0038), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The L-shaped septal extension spreader graft combined with alar batten graft and soft tissue repositioning is an option for secondary rhinoplasties in unilateral cleft lip nose deformities minimizing tip rigidity with significant improvement of the dome's height and its symmetry, as well as the alar side angle.

Correction of severe columella and tip retraction in silicone implanted Asian short noses.

BACKGROUND: Silicone Implants and other alloplastic materials are frequently used in rhinoplasty to augment Asian short noses. However, nasal deformities as a result of implant-related infections are increasing in incidence. The resulting tissue scarrings hinder the application of traditional techniques of lengthening short noses. The following paper presents a technique to correct severe postoperative retractions of the tip and columella caused by silicone implants. METHODS: We present a retrospective case study of two Asian patients with recurrent acute infections, secondary to silicone dorsum implants, leading to chronic inflammation of the tip and columella. The treatment consisted of implant removal and the immediate nasal reconstruction by combining uni- or bilateral gingivobuccal flaps along with L-shaped costal cartilage grafting. To evaluate the surgical results, various anthropometric measurements, particularly the nasal length (NL) and nasal tip projection (NTP) of pre- and postoperative profile photographs, were analyzed. RESULTS: Successful nasal lengthening and correction of columellar retraction were achieved. In case I, postoperative NTP and NL increased by 34.7% and 21.1%, respectively. In case II, NL and NTP increased by 23.8% and 10.6%, respectively. However, case II presented necrosis of the distal extremity of one gingivobuccal flap without rib graft resorption, which later healed by secondary intention. CONCLUSION: Pronounced columellar retraction in severe short noses can be successfully managed with a combination of gingivobuccal flaps along with L-shaped costal cartilage grafting. The use of autologous materials decreases the risk of long-term extrusion through the tip. The gingivobuccal flap provides vascularity to the exposed rib cartilage on the columella and prevents its resorption.