Evaluation of aesthetic and functional outcome of different techniques of secondary cleft lip rhinoplasty

Objectives
The objective of this article is to evaluate the esthetic and functional outcome of secondary rhinoplasty in patients who have unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity with the help of using costal cartilage as a source of different graft materials.
Background
Although there have been improvements in primary rhinoplasty techniques in patients with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity, this does not exclude the possibility of later revision surgery. In secondary rhinoplasty for cleft lip patients, the underlying skeletal support of the nose should be addressed to improve projection of the nose. In addition, correction of the hypoplastic lower lateral cartilage requires insertion of cartilage or bone grafts to add better support and symmetry. Costal cartilage is considered a better source of graft material to be used in secondary rhinoplasty.
Patients and methods
This clinical trial included 20 patients who were managed in Plastic Surgery Department, Menoufia University Hospital, from January 2016 to January 2018. All patients had unilateral cleft lip in infancy with residual nasal deformity in adulthood. Costal cartilage rib graft was harvested, carved, and used for maxillary augmentation, columellar strut graft, and lateral crural strut graft.
Results
Three anthropometric measurements (nostril height, width, and gap area) were used for evaluation of esthetic results, and subjective evaluation of nasal obstructive symptoms was used for functional improvement. A significant improvement of both esthetic and functional results was reported in the study and satisfactory outcome for both surgeons and the patients.
Conclusion
Maxillary augmentation beneath the base of the nose is important in cleft lip secondary rhinoplasty for better support of the columella and lower lateral cartilage. Costal cartilage is a good source of nasal grafting materials owing to its strength, availability in large amount, and ability of being carved for different options.