Deformities due to craniofacial disorders
With complex craniofacial disorders, the nose may be small and underdeveloped, cleft or divided in halves, or missing on one side. Soft tissue defects from bites or injuries may also lead to disfigurement. Children and young adults with these disorders may require nasal reconstruction.
Nasal reconstruction can be complex due to the need for inside mucosal lining, bony and cartilaginous skeletal support, and outside skin covering, all contoured to fit a child’s individual face. A variety of techniques, including cranial bone grafting, cartilage grafting and soft tissue reconstruction with techniques such as the forehead flap may be necessary.
Because a reconstructed nose may not grow in proportion to the child’s face, it is frequently necessary to touch up the reconstruction in the teen years.
Our pediatric craniofacial plastic surgeons are thoroughly familiar with soft tissue techniques and the latest types of cartilage and bone reconstruction. These surgeons address some of the most complex cleft and craniofacial disorders and, as a result, they are very experienced with the associated complex nasal reconstructions.
Congenital or acquired deformities
Rhinoplasty is a procedure performed on the nose for either a congenital or acquired deformity or for cosmetic purposes. Reconstructive rhinoplasty is often required in children with cleft lip and palate who have abnormal nasal cartilage as a result of their cleft deformity. Children with craniofacial disorders also have a wide array of nasal problems, all of which are amenable to surgical reconstruction.
Because our surgeons are extremely familiar with techniques of nasal reconstruction in more serious disorders, they are quite at home with cosmetic rhinoplasty techniques. In their hands, elegant results can often be achieved with relatively straightforward and simple maneuvers.
Profile views of the nose, taken with a digital camera, can be manipulated on the computer to help determine the desired surgical changes.
It is critical that a skilled surgeon with a fine artistic eye see your child when considering aesthetic rhinoplasty. Typically, girls and boys around 13 or 14 years of age can be treated successfully with minimal complications and outstanding results. Rady Children’s surgeons are familiar with the entire array of surgical options and techniques and have developed a number of new types of internal nasal splinting for more complex disorders.