Patient evaluation of outcomes of external rhinoplasty for unilateral cleft lip and palate

Thirty-five patients (range 16-59 years) with cleft-lip nasal deformity treated by external rhinoplasty were evaluated for satisfaction and perception of outcomes. Treatment involved alar base relocation and augmentation of the asymmetric nasal tip with auricular cartilage grafts. The patients completed a satisfaction survey and interview at the 2-year follow-up visit. A visual analogue scale (VAS) numbered 0-10 was also used by the patients to grade outcome compared to preoperative appearance at 4 anatomic sites. Prior to surgery, the nasal tip was perceived as being most deformed (15/35), followed by alar position (12/35) and nasal apertures (8/35). The site on the nose most improved by surgery was the tip (15), followed by alar position (10), symmetry of nostrils (6) and dorsum (4). The highest VAS score was for the tip (8.32), followed by alar position (7.59), dorsum (7.41) and symmetry of nostrils (6.73). No patients suffered long-term pain for more than 2 months following surgery. All patients were prepared to undergo such procedure for a second time, if necessary. The unilateral cleft-lip nasal deformity can be improved in the eyes of the patient, using the combination of external rhinoplasty with alar base relocation, where necessary, and auricular cartilage augmentation of the nasal tip.