CORRECTING A CLEFT NOSE
A cleft nose resulting from a cleft lip and palate can affect both your appearance and nasal breathing. Using specialized reconstructive techniques, I ensure that the natural shape of the nose is restored and its function is sustainably improved.
Facts about cleft nose surgery
| Duration of treatment | Approx. 2 hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia | |
| Stay | Outpatient or 1-2 nights | |
| Dressing | Cast for 1 week | |
| Nasal packaging | No nasal tamponades necessary | |
| Showering | Morning after operation | |
| Wash hair | 3. day after surgery | |
| Suture removal | Self-dissolving | |
| Socially presentable | Usually after 2 weeks | |
| Sport | After 6 weeks | |
| Wear glasses | After 6 weeks | |
| Costs | From 8.450 euros |
A cleft lip and palate is one of the most common congenital malformations in humans.
Patients with a cleft lip and palate have often had several operations - the gap between the mouth and nose is usually closed in childhood, and adjustments to the jaw and misaligned teeth are often necessary. Despite the complex operations, a typical malformation of the nose usually remains, which not only affects the appearance but also has functional impairments. On the one hand, these changes are caused by the malformation of the cleft lip and palate, and on the other hand, they can be the result of previous operations. Typical symptoms of a unilateral cleft lip and palate are an external crooked nose towards the healthy side, a pronounced crooked nasal septum with a crooked nasal bridge. In addition, the tip of the nose, nostrils and nostrils are usually asymmetrical.
IOnce the growth in length has been completed and the jaw surgery and orthodontic treatment have been completed, the primary operations for the cleft lip and palate can be followed by a rhinoplasty as a secondary operation. The main reasons for wanting a rhinoplasty are the impaired nasal breathing with possible accompanying symptoms such as facial and headache pain, sinusitis, and reduced performance. Many patients also want to improve the external appearance of the nose.
Benefits of a Rhinoplasty by Dr. Wilke
- Expert for Rhinoplasty and Aesthetic Operations
- Highest medical standards made in Germany
- Detailed advice & planning
- Computer simulation
- Most modern surgical methods
- Ultrasonic surgery/ Piezo without breaking bones
- Personal aftercare by the surgeon
- Specialist in ear, nose and throat medicine
- No nasal packings
Cleft nose correction
Four main areas need to be improved during cleft nose surgery.
In fact, patients can only be promised an improvement, because a perfect result is very difficult to achieve due to the complexity of the malformation involving cartilage, bone, connective tissue, skin and muscles.
Nasal septum straightening
The often extremely deviated nasal septum usually requires much more complex techniques to straighten than with a conventional nasal septum operation. It is not uncommon for the entire septum to have to be removed and straightened outside the nose.
It is then reintegrated into the nose. If additional cartilage is needed, it can be taken from the auricle or rib.
Read more under nasal septum surgery
Nasal tip straightening / lifting
On the side of the cleft, the tip of the nose is underdeveloped. The tip of the nose is therefore bent and too flat. First, a stable framework for the tip of the nose is constructed and some of the missing or underdeveloped cartilage is replaced. Then the asymmetrical skin and subcutaneous tissue must also be adjusted.
Straightening of the external nose
Straightening the external nose involves the middle third of the nose, which is made of cartilage, and the bony upper third of the nose. Depending on the severity of the crookedness, the nose must be mobilized and fixed in the new position.
Nostril optimization
Since the nostril on the side of the cleft is usually displaced further to the side and upwards than on the other side, a nostril optimization is necessary. To do this, the nostril is displaced as symmetrically as possible towards the healthy side.
For individual advice and examination, please contact Dr. Wilke’s practice in Hamburg.
Patient reviews
Dr. Wilke performed a nose job on me last year and I am still thrilled with the results. Not only do I have a really harmonious nose, but I can finally breathe easily.
04.11.2021 - Jameda
I previously had a lot of problems with breathing through my nose and also aesthetic problems! I had previously been to several doctors without success!
Then I went to see Dr. Wilke. I can only write good things!
He is very friendly, takes a lot of time for his patients and does an excellent job!
I am very satisfied and can breathe well, I even recommended my son and sister-in-law to Dr. Wilke!
Great doctor and great team!
I can recommend Dr. Wilke to everyone! The best ENT doctor in the world
13.11.2021 - Jameda
Dr. Wilke is a top doctor who doesn't practice standard medicine. My complex wishes regarding my nose didn't put him off and he even took the time for a second consultation. The operation was only two months ago, but I'm already extremely satisfied.
04.2023 - Google
Frequently asked questions about cleft nose correction
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What is a cleft nose?
A cleft nose is the condition of the nose after the closure of a cleft lip, palate and jaw. The typical appearance is a crooked nose with a severely deviated nasal septum, asymmetrical nasal tip, nostrils, nasal bridge and nostrils.
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How does cleft nose correction work?
Correcting a cleft nose is a demanding procedure, as the nose has grown very asymmetrically in many areas due to the deformity. In addition, there are numerous previous operations that make the operation even more difficult by changing the already complex anatomy and causing scarring.
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What are the reasons for a cleft nose correction?
Most patients want an improvement in nasal breathing and their appearance.
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What should be considered before and after a cleft nose correction?
In order to make the conditions for the operation as optimal as possible, no medication such as Aspirin®, Diclofenac®, Ibuprofen®, and Voltaren® should be taken 2 weeks before the operation. Smoking reduces the blood flow to the small vessels, which are important for wound healing, so we recommend that you stop smoking during the healing phase. Good care of the nasal mucosa promotes healing both before and after the operation. We recommend starting nose care with ointments and oils one week before the operation. After the operation, a cast is applied, which is removed after a week. Tamponades are not necessary for cleft nose correction. We recommend that you refrain from sport for 6 weeks. Glasses should not be worn during this time.
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What are the advantages of cleft nose correction?
A cleft nose correction improves both breathing difficulties and the external appearance.
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What is the prognosis of a cleft rhinoplasty?
Correcting a cleft nose is a complex operation, but with an experienced team, the chance of a significant improvement in function and aesthetics is very good.
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What are the risks of a cleft nose correction?
Due to the pronounced deformity and previous operations, in addition to the normal risks of rhinoplasty, there is also the danger of asymmetries and scarring.
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How much does a cleft nose correction cost?
A cleft nose correction is calculated depending on the effort involved and starts at 6450 euros.
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Will the costs of a cleft nose correction be covered by health insurance?
The functional part of the cleft nose correction is usually covered by the health insurance company.