Cleft lip nasal reconstruction using porous high-density polyethylene.

BACKGROUND: The multitude of factors involved with a unilateral cleft lip nasal defect has spurred various surgical techniques in the past. Recently, synthetic materials have been introduced for use in nasal reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To report on and illustrate the use of porous high-density polyethylene implants in cleft lip nasal reconstruction.

DESIGN: A retrospective review of cleft lip nasal reconstruction using porous high-density polyethylene in patients with a unilateral cleft lip defect from January 1, 1993, through June 30, 2000.

SETTING: Facial plastic surgery private practice.

PATIENTS: Eighteen patients with a unilateral cleft lip without a history of formal rhinoplasty.

INTERVENTIONS: All 18 patients required multiple implants, including a columellar strut, premaxillary and prealveolar plumper grafts, a dorsal tip implant, and a unilateral nasal valve batten, using the open rhinoplasty approach.

RESULTS: Favorable aesthetic results, as judged by one of us (T.R.), were achieved in all patients. All implants were well tolerated. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 months to 7 years. A complication occurred in 1 patient (6%), which resolved with removal of a single implant and intravenous antibiotic therapy. No other complications, including skin erosion or implant extrusion, have been noted.

CONCLUSIONS: Porous high-density polyethylene implants for cleft lip nasal reconstruction are well tolerated and achieve good aesthetic results. Porous high-density polyethylene implants lend stability through fibrovascular ingrowth, with integration of the implants to the surrounding tissue.