[Double buried suture method for correction of secondary mild unilateral cleft lip nose deformity].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of double buried suture method for correction of secondary mild unilateral cleft lip nose deformity. METHODS: Between June 2010 and June 2012, 20 patients with secondary mild unilateral cleft lip nose deformity were treated with double buried suture method. Among 20 patients, 12 were male and 8 were female, with an average age of 21 years (range, 14-44 years). All patients had unilateral cleft lip nose deformity after unilateral cleft lip repair, including 9 cases of left deformity and 11 cases of right deformity. The time between first repair and double buried suture was 11-42 years (mean, 19 years). RESULTS: Incisions healed by first intention, and no related complication occurred. The patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8 months). All patients were satisfied with the nasal contour, symmetrical projection of the alar dome, a central columella, symmetry of nasal floor, and no obvious scar. No recurrence was observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Double buried suture method not only can correct secondary mild unilateral cleft lip nose deformity completely, but also can avoid obvious scarring and recurrence of nose deformity.