PREOPERATIVE NONSURGICAL OVER-CORRECTION OF CLEFT-LIP NASAL DEFORMITY

Alar cartilage, which is elastic like auricular cartilage, is correctable in the early neonatal period. Taking advantage of this correctability, we have performed preoperative non-surgical over-correction for cleft lip nasal deformity of incomplete and complete cleft lips with a Simonart's band. The device for this correction was made by processing a nostril retainer into a nostril over-corrector which utilises a spring of silicone rubber, works like a tissue expander and is supported by the nostril floor. Twenty cases are reviewed whose follow-up lasted more than 19 months. The earlier the non-surgical over-correction began, the more satisfactory were the results that were obtained.