[Use of L-shaped silicone prosthesis and expanded polytetrafluoraethylene to repair the nasal deformities after repair of unilateral cleft lip: report of 17 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of using L-shaped silicone prosthesis and expanded polytetrafluoraethylene (ePTFE) to correct the nasal deformities after repair of unilateral cleft lip in 17 cases.


METHODS
After correction of the malposed nasal cartilages, a chip of ePTFE was added to the tip of the L-shaped silicone prosthesis, and sutured with 5-0 nylon thread, to consolidate and mold the nasal dorsum, tip, ala and nasal columella.


RESULTS
Simultaneous use of L-shaped silicone prosthesis and expanded polytetrafluoraethylene could elevate the flat nasal dorsum, tip, ala and nasal columella, which improved the nasal contour significantly. 11 patients achieved excellent esthetic results, and 6 had improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of L-shaped silicone prosthesis and ePTFE to repair the nasal deformities after repair of unilateral cleft lip is a simple and effective method.
Guo
Tong-rong
TR
Tong Li Medical Esthetic Clinic of Hangzhou, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang Province, China. gtrjxx@sina.com
Xu
Qi-fei
QF
D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009667:Nose Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012828:Silicones / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D012828:Silicones