Cleft lip nasal reconstruction using porous high-density polyethylene. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • BACKGROUND: The multitude of factors involved with a unilateral cleft lip nasal defect has spurred various surgical techniques in the past. Recently, synthetic materials have been introduced for use in nasal reconstruction. OBJECTIVE: To report on and illustrate the use of porous high-density polyethylene implants in cleft lip nasal reconstruction. DESIGN: A retrospective review of cleft lip nasal reconstruction using porous high-density polyethylene in patients with a unilateral cleft lip defect from January 1, 1993, through June 30, 2000. SETTING: Facial plastic surgery private practice. PATIENTS: Eighteen patients with a unilateral cleft lip without a history of formal rhinoplasty. INTERVENTIONS: All 18 patients required multiple implants, including a columellar strut, premaxillary and prealveolar plumper grafts, a dorsal tip implant, and a unilateral nasal valve batten, using the open rhinoplasty approach. RESULTS: Favorable aesthetic results, as judged by one of us (T.R.), were achieved in all patients. All implants were well tolerated. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 months to 7 years. A complication occurred in 1 patient (6%), which resolved with removal of a single implant and intravenous antibiotic therapy. No other complications, including skin erosion or implant extrusion, have been noted. CONCLUSIONS: Porous high-density polyethylene implants for cleft lip nasal reconstruction are well tolerated and achieve good aesthetic results. Porous high-density polyethylene implants lend stability through fibrovascular ingrowth, with integration of the implants to the surrounding tissue.

publication date

  • January 1, 2003

Research

keywords

  • Cleft Lip
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Polyethylene
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Rhinoplasty

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0038207792

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1001/archfaci.5.2.175

PubMed ID

  • 12633209

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 5

issue

  • 2