Evaluation of Cleft Lip Bony Depression of Piriform Margin and Nasal Deformity with Cone Beam Computed Tomography: “Retruded-like” Appearance and Anteroposterior Position of the Alar Base

Abstract

The authors' study suggests that bony depression does not necessarily lead to postoperative alar depression. The postoperative cleft lip alar position can be maintained independently of the collapsed lesser segment of the maxilla. In addition, in many cleft lip newborns the cleft alar crease is hypoplastic, and the paranasal triangle is easily elevated by operative manipulation because of the muscular dysfunction. This shallowness leads to a "retruded" appearance. For improvement, preservation of the paranasal triangle and alar crease plasty are important.