Three-dimensional Z-plasty in the correction of the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity

Numerous methods have been introduced for correction of the cleft lip nasal deformities, but no single procedure has given sufficiently satisfactory results to provide a surgical standard. Much effort has been put on restoring cartilaginous structures using alar cartilage modification and suspension. But even after the cartilage framework is repositioned well, redundant alar webbing is still unsightly and frequently conspicuous. This paper presents a procedure combining the usual open rhinoplasty technique and three-dimensional Z-plasty in an external approach to remove the alar web and to lengthen the columella at the same time. Open rhinoplasty was performed in 26 consecutive patients with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity from 1991 to 1996. We used an open rhinoplasty approach, which is a combination of the usual infracartilaginous incision on the noncleft side and a small triangular flap on the cleft side. This external rhinoplasty incision can provide a wide surgical field for the handling of the whole cartilage framework. The three-dimensional Z-plasty utilizing redundant alar skin not only removes the alar web but also helps lengthen the columella and provides soft tissue to the nasal vestibule. This technique is easy, and the postoperative result is very consistent. Our open rhinoplasty approach has several advantages and can be a useful approach in the correction of the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity.