[Double buried suture method for correction of secondary mild unilateral cleft lip nose deformity].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of double buried suture method for correction of secondary mild unilateral cleft lip nose deformity.

METHODS

Between June 2010 and June 2012, 20 patients with secondary mild unilateral cleft lip nose deformity were treated with double buried suture method. Among 20 patients, 12 were male and 8 were female, with an average age of 21 years (range, 14-44 years). All patients had unilateral cleft lip nose deformity after unilateral cleft lip repair, including 9 cases of left deformity and 11 cases of right deformity. The time between first repair and double buried suture was 11-42 years (mean, 19 years).

RESULTS

Incisions healed by first intention, and no related complication occurred. The patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8 months). All patients were satisfied with the nasal contour, symmetrical projection of the alar dome, a central columella, symmetry of nasal floor, and no obvious scar. No recurrence was observed during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Double buried suture method not only can correct secondary mild unilateral cleft lip nose deformity completely, but also can avoid obvious scarring and recurrence of nose deformity.