The nasal cantilever technique in children undergoing primary cleft lip surgery: novel concepts and review

BackgroundNasal deformity associated with cleft lip deformity is a challenging issue, encompassing controversies, theories, and a diversity of techniques. Historically, esthetic outcomes have ranged from being below expectations to barely acceptable.MethodBased on the concept that the nasal cartilaginous framework in clefts is similar to that of a collapsing pyramid, a novel suspension technique has been described. The entire cartilaginous structure is lifted from the infratip segment with a loop suture and is secured in a cantilever fashion onto the periosteum overlying the nasal bone. This part of the operation is performed in a semiclosed manner. The technique is applied during primary surgery in bilateral and unilateral nasal cleft lip deformities, with changes in the orientation of the cantilever loop suture. Studies conducted by Masters S. Tajima, H. McComb, H. Thomson, D. Fisher, and J. Mulliken, which are most relevant to this article, have been reviewed and discussed throughout.ResultsThe technique was first applied over 10 years ago. A case series of nine children whose parents consented to the developing technique is presented with follow-up ranging from months to years, along with technical descriptions and illustrative drawings. None of these cases had preoperative orthopedic correction, molding, or postoperative nostril splints. The esthetic outcome was optimal enough; none of the cases requested a secondary correction.ConclusionThe nasal cantilever technique is a novel concept in cleft nasal deformity, which can be used in conjunction with an appropriate lip technique, per the surgeon’s discretion. Other than a learning curve, we believe that it provides a solid correction by securing the cartilaginous structures after they have been mobilized to a stable base, the nasion.

Cleft Nasal Deformity

While the lip deformity in unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate patients may be the primary focus of parents, most surgeons agree that it is the stigmata of the cleft nasal deformity that is most conspicuous. The cleft lip nasal deformity has been a complex source of innovation for pediatric plastic surgeons for decades. Techniques have evolved as knowledge and experience have grown. Thoughtful surgeons continue to be critical of their outcomes and modify their technique throughout their careers. Here we discuss the fundamentals of the cleft lip nasal deformity and its primary and delayed repair.

Cleft Rhinoplasty: Strategies for the Multiply Operated Nose

Rhinoplasty, as a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the nose while preserving or improving function, is complicated and difficult to master. Revision cleft rhinoplasty offers another tier of challenge. The symmetry, proportions, and definition of the nose are affected by the native cleft deformity but also previous surgical scars, cartilage grafts, and skin excisions. Our preferred approach is to use structural cartilage grafting to establish septal and lower lateral cartilage resiliency. Internal lining deficiency is addressed with skin or lining transfer, while excess nasal tip thickness is contoured to improve definition. Of the utmost importance, the cleft nasal deformity cannot be considered in isolation, but rather a combined amalgamation of the lip muscle and scar, dentofacial occlusion, and skeletal maxillary deficiency.