Subnasale Flap for Correction of Columella Base Deviation in Secondary Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity

Abstract

To present the effects of subnasale (SN) flap on the correction of deviated columella base in patients with secondary unilateral cleft lip nasal (UCLN) deformity. The patients were 6 adult Koreans with cleft cases (mean age, 29.1 y; range, 20-43 y; 1 man and 5 women; secondary UCLN deformity with columella base deviation). After the open rhinoplasty with the Padovan incision had been completed for correction of the secondary UCLN deformity, the SN flap was used for correction of the deviated columella base. The design of the SN flap started from the central portion of the SN region that will be the reconstructed columella and extended to the nasal floor in the larger nostril site. Then, the SN flap was transposed into the smaller nostril site. The columella skin was also elevated and placed into the larger nostril site with the distal end inserting into the donor site. The patients' follow-up period was 16 to 40 months. The SN flap after the open rhinoplasty with the Padovan incision resulted in minimal scarring on the donor and recipient sites. The deviated columella base was straightened in all cases. During the surgical follow-up period, there was no recurrence of the columella base deviation in any patient and no other noteworthy complications were found. For correction of the columella base deviation in patients with secondary UCLN deformity, the SN flap can be a viable treatment option.