Cleft Rhinoplasty
in austin, TX

What Nasal Deformities Appear in a Cleft Lip Nose?

Cleft lip nasal anatomy is often quite different from the typical nasal anatomy. The septum is the wall that divides the inner nose into a left and right side. This is often very deviated to one side in patients with cleft lip nasal deformity. Turbinates are curled structures of thin bone and mucosa (the wet “skin” on the inside of the nose) that serve a filtering function. The inferior turbinate is often enlarged on the side away from which the septum is deviated.

A deviated septum and enlarged turbinate can block airflow and create turbulent airflow. This is experienced as difficulty breathing through the nose.

The external portion of the nose in someone with a cleft lip and palate is also altered. The entire nose is often shifted to one side. The nasal tip frequently lacks projection as if it did not grow far enough out from the face. Additionally, the tip often has an asymmetric shape and irregular contours. The nostrils are generally vastly different from one another in shape, size, and position.

How Is Cleft Rhinoplasty Done?

A cleft rhinoplasty focuses on both the inside and the outside of the nose. The aims are to improve breathing and improve appearance.

Almost all rhinoplasties involve moving cartilage from one location to another within the nose to strengthen the changes made under the skin for stable, long-term results. In most rhinoplasties, the cartilage comes from extra that can be found in the septum. However, for cleft rhinoplasty, more cartilage is needed, and the septum provides less usable cartilage. Thus, cartilage is frequently borrowed from the ribs and ears.