Comprehensive rhinoplasty technique to correct the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity using conchal composite grafts

Introduction: Anatomical abnormalities and heterogeneous tissue deficiencies of the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity challenges the cranio-maxillofacial plastic surgeon to create a functional, yet aesthetically pleasing nose. The authors propose a comprehensive rhinoplasty technique to correct the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity using composite conchal grafts. Patients: Five children with bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities had nasal reconstruction using conchal composite grafts, averaging 5 years in age at time of surgery. Patient follow-up averaged 21 months. Methods: An open tip rhinoplasty was performed using a 'V' shaped columellar incision. The conchal composite graft was obtained from the lateral aspect of the ear and was used to reconstruct the lateral alar mucosal defects. Conchal cartilage was used as a columellar strut. The columellar skin was closed in a 'V-Y' fashion, giving greater columellar length. Results: Visual inspection confirmed that the cleft lip nasal deformity was improved in all patients. There were no postoperative complications. All patients had complete composite graft take with minimal donor site morbidity and deformity. Conclusions: This comprehensive rhinoplasty technique improves the abnormalities found in bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity by using the successful aspects of other methods and introducing the composite conchal graft. (C) 2006 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.