Nasal Deformity Repair in Subtypes of Lesser-Form Cleft Lip Using a Minimal Vermilion-Cutaneous Junction Incision.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the correlation between the severity of nasal and labial deformities among the three lesser-form cleft subtypes, (2) assess postoperative nasal morphological changes over time following minimally invasive repair, and (3) compare postoperative nasal outcomes among the subtypes. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with unilateral mini-microform, microform, or minor-form cleft lips who underwent repair via a vermilion-cutaneous junction incision between January 2017 and January 2022. Standardized anthropometric measurements were performed preoperatively (T0), at early follow-up (T1), and at final follow-up (T2, ≥ 3 years postoperatively). Intergroup comparisons were assessed statistically. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included: 13 with mini-microform, 17 with microform, and 6 with minor-form cleft lips. Preoperative analysis showed no significant differences in nasal symmetry parameters among the three subtypes (p > 0.05), suggesting that the severity of nasal deformity does not necessarily correlate with the extent of labial deformity. Significant improvements were observed in nostril height ratio, three-fourths medial alar height ratio, columellar angle, and nostril area ratio at early follow-up (p < 0.05). These improvements were sustained at final follow-up, with further gains in alar base width, nostril width, and nostril area ratios. No significant postoperative differences were observed among subtypes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of nasal deformity is not consistently correlated with the extent of the labial deformity in lesser-form cleft lips. This minimally invasive technique provides effective and durable correction of nasal asymmetry with minimal visible scarring. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Facial Skeleton. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .