Definitive Rhinoplasty and Orthognathic Surgery for Patients with Cleft Lip Palate

While primary cleft lip nasal deformity has been well described, secondary cleft lip nasal deformity reflects the combination of residual deformity that follows primary operative maneuvers and growth-related nasal distortions. Secondary cleft lip nasal deformities are further associated with underlying skeletal and dentofacial abnormalities along with soft tissue constriction adding to the complexity of the deformity and posing major aesthetic and functional challenges to the multidisciplinary care team. Definitive rhinoplasties are performed to address these deformities and improve the quality of life in cleft patients following skeletal maturity and ideally after all underlying skeletal discrepancies have been corrected by orthognathic surgery. Maxillary advancement with or without mandibular setback is often required after careful planning and orthodontic preparation. Patients with cleft lip benefit tremendously from definitive rhinoplasty irrespective of inevitable residual discrepancies that remain and adjuvant therapies could enhance the overall outcome.