Analysis and treatment of cleft lip nasal and palate deformity.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cleft lip and palate are usually associated with craniofacial defects and nose deformities that alter the facial aesthetic configuration. After initial surgical treatment, further surgery (both nasal and maxillary) is often required to reduce the physical impact in these patients. These techniques should be delayed until the development of the facial skeleton is complete. The purpose of this study was to assess the system used in the preoperative analysis of such patients, the surgical technique and our results after proper follow-up time.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study describing the medical history of patients with background of unilateral cleft lip treatment in childhood who underwent surgery in our service to correct their nasal deformity between June 2010 and June 2011.

RESULTS: We evaluated 5 cases on which we performed a functional, aesthetic, anthropometric and psychological analysis. The treatment was carried out at an average age of 18.3 years, with an individualised surgical technique using open septorhinoplasty. The mean follow-up time was 24.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative analysis for this condition should include an aesthetic and functional nasal study and an anthropometric and psychological study. Open septorhinoplasty carried out at the age of 16-18 years is an appropriate procedure to correct the cleft lip nasal and palate deformity. Our surgical technique offers good long term functional, aesthetic, anthropometric and psychological outcomes.