Double Composite Tissue Z-plasty Technique for Anatomical Restoration of Severe Nasal Deformity in Secondary Unilateral Cleft Lip.

BACKGROUND: Patients with secondary unilateral cleft lip are regularly affected by serious nasal deformities especially of the alar and nasal floor. A large number of techniques for correction have been published, but symmetrical restoration of severe nasal deformation is difficult to achieve. We propose an innovative approach for anatomical restoration for this entity of nasal deformities to achieve long-term symmetrical appearance and muscular function.

METHODS: A total of 68 patients with severe nasal deformity due to secondary unilateral cleft lip underwent reconstructive surgery using a double composite tissue Z-plasty technique for anatomical restoration of cartilage, muscle, and soft tissue layers. Patient pictures were taken preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate appearance and incisional wound healing. The surgical outcome was assessed based on a postoperative patient satisfaction survey. All occurring adverse effects were recorded.

RESULTS: All patients were followed up for at least 7 months up to 8 years; mean follow-up period was 14.6 months. Patients were highly satisfied with the aesthetic result and improved facial profile (97.1%) and healing of the incision site (94.1%). There were 4 cases of implant deviation and 2 cases of impaired ventilation due to hypertrophic scarring of the upper lip (2 patients) and relatively decreased nostril size after augmentation rhinoplasty (1 patient), respectively, requiring surgical revision 1 year postoperatively. No other complications such as bleeding, infection, flap necrosis, and sensory dysfunction were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS: The double composite tissue Z-plasty technique allows for thorough anatomical restoration of cartilage, muscle, and skin layers in unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. This single-step approach is a safe and technically easy therapeutic option that is associated with high patient satisfaction and acceptance.