Unilateral Cheilorhinoplasty

Chelyorinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct congenital deformities, injuries, or asymmetries of the lip and nose on one side of the face. This specialized operation addresses both aesthetic and functional problems, such as difficulties with breathing or feeding that may arise due to maxillofacial anomalies. At "Dobrobut" Medical Center, experienced plastic surgeons utilize advanced techniques to achieve the most natural aesthetic result while ensuring optimal function of the lip and nasal structures.

When to See a Doctor

A consultation with a surgeon is necessary if any of the following symptoms are observed:

• Diagnosed cleft of the upper lip.
• Noticeable asymmetry or structural deformities of the lip and nose, especially if they have been present since birth or after injury.
• Breathing difficulties, specifically difficulty breathing through the nose, indicating structural issues.
• Feeding problems in infants due to lip asymmetry.
• Speech difficulties that may be associated with deformities of the lip or nose.
• Social and/or psychological issues. Children and teenagers may face bullying or low self-esteem due to their appearance.

Indications and Contraindications for Chelyorinoplasty

Chelyorinoplasty can be recommended for both children and adults. The surgery is intended to correct congenital or acquired deformities of the lip and nose, regardless of the patient's age. However, children most often require this procedure due to congenital anomalies like cleft lip.

Unilateral chelyorinoplasty is indicated in cases of:

• Congenital deformities, such as cleft lip and palate that require surgical correction to restore normal function and appearance.
• Acquired deformities that occurred due to injuries leading to significant asymmetry or functional impairments.
• Aesthetic concerns and the patient’s desire to improve facial symmetry for cosmetic reasons.

Contraindications may include infectious diseases in the oral cavity or nasal area that need to be treated prior to the procedure, severe comorbid conditions, and blood clotting disorders.

Diagnosis

To determine the necessity for unilateral chelyorinoplasty, specialists may conduct the following assessments:

• Physical examination: The surgeon conducts a thorough examination to assess asymmetry, function, and overall health condition.
• Imaging studies: In some cases, specific imaging methods may be used to gain additional information about internal structures.
• Medical history: Careful review of the medical history provides important information about previous conditions and treatments.

Preparation

Preparation for unilateral chelyorinoplasty includes several stages:

• Preoperative consultation: During the consultation, surgeons discuss the procedure's details, including expected results, risks, and benefits, as well as postoperative care recommendations. This allows parents and patients to make an informed decision about surgical intervention about the surgical intervention.

• Fasting instructions: Parents are given clear guidelines regarding when to stop eating and drinking before the surgery to ensure safe anesthesia.
• Doctor's examination: The physician examines the patient to identify any allergies or other conditions that may affect the course of the surgery.
• Emotional support: The clinic staff provides support and advice on how to reduce emotional stress for the child and their parents prior to the procedure.

How the Procedure is Performed

Chelyorinoplasty is performed following a protocol that includes the following steps:

1. Preparation, preoperative consultations with the plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist, and, if necessary, other specialists; restrictions on food and drink consumption the day before the surgery; explanation of the technique, potential risks, and their prevention.
2. Administration of general anesthesia.
3. Surgical intervention, during which the surgeon makes an incision on the affected side of the lip and nose, using techniques that allow for incisions to be hidden in natural folds to minimize the visibility of scars.
4. Correction of the deformity by repositioning the tissues of the lip and nose, restoring their symmetry; if necessary, structural elements may be elevated and fixed.
5. After completing all necessary corrections, the incisions are closed using either sutures or adhesive, providing minimal scarring and improving cosmetic outcomes.

Recovery

The recovery process after unilateral chelyorinoplasty involves postoperative observation, adequate pain control, and restrictions on solid food intake and physical activity.

During a follow-up visit, the doctor evaluates the patient's condition, assesses the healing progress, removes sutures, identifies signs of potential complications, and provides recommendations for further care.

Complications

Possible complications of chelyorinoplasty may include scar formation, infections, bleeding, and changes in sensitivity in the operated area, which can be either permanent or temporary.

Prevention

While preventing congenital deformities is almost impossible, the following recommendations can help reduce the risk of complications and ensure the normal functioning of the lip and nose:

• Regular medical check-ups to monitor the overall health status and detect any potential problems in their early stages.
• A healthy lifestyle, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, which can positively impact overall health.
• Timely treatment: If a child experiences any issues with speech, breathing, or feeding, parents should promptly seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment, if necessary.

At "Dobrobut" Medical Center, we uphold the highest standards of surgical care for patients requiring unilateral chelyorinoplasty. The team of experts employs advanced technologies and compassionate care to provide comprehensive support to patients at all stages of treatment.