Autologous Rib Cartilage Reconstruction After Silicone Implant Removal in a Patient With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Case Report.

Cleft lip rhinoplasty (CLR) corrects nasal deformities in cleft lip and palate patients. However, limitations exist in some countries like Japan regarding the use of silicone implants for CLR. While historical reports mention their use since the 1980s, long-term data is lacking. This case report describes a 53-year-old Japanese woman with bilateral cleft lip and palate who received a CLR with a silicone implant over 30 years ago. The implant calcified, causing nasal dorsum skin hardening and thinning, raising concerns of extrusion. To prevent potential extrusion, the implant was removed and replaced with autologous seventh rib cartilage grafts. Various grafting techniques were used for basal support, dorsal augmentation, and nasal tip refinement. The postoperative evaluation showed excellent results with no complications. This case highlights the importance of long-term follow-up after CLR with silicone implants and advocates for autologous rib cartilage as a reliable alternative. Reporting such cases is crucial for informing patient management and research on the long-term safety of silicone implants in CLR.