Morpho-Functional Septorhinoplasty in Adult Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity: A Comprehensive Approach.

[PURPOSE] The aim of this study was to introduce a morpho-functional technique of rhinoplasty for correction of defective nasal morphology of the secondary unilateral cleft lip and improvement of air passage through the nose.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] The described comprehensive approach follows the rule of 5 R's: relieve, resect, reposition, restructure, and restrengthen. The extended septal graft serves as a columellar strut on the one hand and as a spreader graft on the other hand.

[RESULTS] The described morpho-functional septorhinoplasty technique is effective for correction of the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity because it improves the symmetry of the nose, improves the morphology of the alar cartilage, and increases the nasal tip projection. An improvement in breathing occurs as a result of restored symmetry of the ala and nasal vestibule.

[CONCLUSIONS] Morpho-functional septorhinoplasty is a practical tool to handle adult patients with secondary cleft nasal deformities.