Surgical Management of a Mild Case of Frontonasal Dysplasia: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Frontonasal dysplasia (FND) is a rare congenital craniofacial cleft syndrome associated with a spectrum of midline facial bone and soft-tissue malformations. When present, the physical features of FND are often obvious and classified at birth. The resultant facial deformities have the potential to negatively influence psychosocial health and quality of life. Reconstructive surgical intervention in early childhood can serve to restore facial contour and alleviate psychological stress. In this report, a case of a 14-year-old female with previously undiagnosed mild form of FND presented for reconstructive surgery evaluation and underwent several procedures including sliding advanced genioplasty, submucosal resection of the nasal turbinates, open rhinoplasty, and bilateral transnasal medial canthopexies. The patient had subsequent nasal tip recontouring for persistent supratip fullness. The patient achieved an acceptable esthetic outcome and was satisfied with her physical appearance. This case emphasizes the subtle presentation and reconstructive surgical options of a mild case of FND that was diagnosed at a later age, unlike the more severe phenotypes of the syndrome and other common craniofacial anomalies that are usually diagnosed and treated in early childhood. Multidisciplinary craniofacial care teams should be able to correctly diagnose and implement the appropriate surgical interventions in patients with milder forms of FND.