Secondary Cleft-Lip Rhinoplasty Utilizing Porous High-Density Polyethylene

Abstract

Secondary nasal deformity associated with cleft lip is a difficult surgical task. For more than 100 years, numerous surgical methods have been created to address the structural changes that occur over time after the primary surgery. Although early surgical methods have relied on various rotational flaps and local tissue manipulation, the recent advent of synthetic materials has provided facial plastic surgeons with more tools to correct the structural and supportive deficiencies. In this article, we describe our 10-year experience with porous high-density polyethylene (PHDPE) implants in secondary cleft-lip rhinoplasty. PHDPE implants have been well tolerated and achieved excellent long-term aesthetic results through fibrovascular ingrowth to the surrounding tissue.