Comprehensive Cleft Rhinoplasty Throughout Development

McCracken M, Woldanski L, Neumeister E, Johnson M.

What this paper says

A review of the staged approach to the cleft nose, from primary repair in infancy through intermediate and definitive rhinoplasty, balancing early correction against growth.

Overview

This is a chapter-style narrative review with no patient data. The authors describe the cleft nose treatment algorithm as individualised and evolving, with primary rhinoplasty now routine and intermediate and definitive procedures used for refinement as the child grows.

Sections of note

Primary cleft rhinoplasty is "now routinely practiced with improved outcomes when performed thoughtfully."
Intermediate and definitive rhinoplasty allow refinement as the patient matures.
Success depends on planning, perioperative care, expectation management and multidisciplinary care.
Both functional and aesthetic goals are addressed.

What it means for a patient

Cleft nose care is a sequence over childhood, not a single operation.
Timing decisions weigh symmetry now against possible effects on facial growth.
The review sets out the framework rather than results.

Why this paper matters

It summarises the staged model of cleft rhinoplasty for a general readership. Limits: review, no data.

Terms

Primary cleft rhinoplasty: nasal correction with the infant lip repair.
Intermediate rhinoplasty: a childhood operation, often before school age or during mixed dentition.
Definitive rhinoplasty: the final correction after facial growth is complete, usually mid-to-late teens.
Multidisciplinary team: surgeons, orthodontists, speech therapists and others coordinating cleft care.

Summary written by rhinoplasty.cc from the abstract, 2026-09-08; not medical advice. The authors' own abstract follows.

From the abstract

“The cleft nose treatment algorithm is nuanced and evolving. Management requires an individualized surgical approach, balancing early intervention with considerations for nasal and facial growth. Primary cleft rhinoplasty is now routinely practiced with improved outcomes when performed thoughtfully, while intermediate…”

Excerpt; the full abstract is on PubMed.