Evaluation of the outcome of secondary rhinoplasty in cleft lip and palate patients

Purpose: A definitive correction of nasal deformity is best performed by creating symmetry and addressing the nostril/tip/columella complex, which is more easily handled by direct vision. The main objective is to evaluate the nasal changes along with function and also to evaluate the satisfaction outcome of the patients following secondary rhinoplasty. Methods: Ten patients who were admitted to our unit for secondary rhinoplasty procedure involving the cleft lip-epalate defects associated with nasal deformities were considered for the study. All the patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively for aesthetics and function along with patient satisfaction and perception. Results: All the operated cases of cleft nasal deformity had a significant improvement in the facial aesthetics and function postoperatively. Clinical evaluation revealed that the post-nasal changes were significant with no nasal obstruction. Statistically, the results were significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although our sample is small, this study would assist in some preliminary conclusions. From our present study, in the view of a distinct deformity of the internal and external nose associated with cleft lip/nose/palate in adolescents or adults, septal rhinoplasty or rhinoplasty alone provides good aesthetics and functional results. (C) 2010 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.