Mr. Muhammad Riaz, a specialist at St. Hugh’s Hospital, has had his groundbreaking research on the treatment of cleft noses published in a highly regarded medical publication.

Consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon Mr. Riaz created the ‘Gujrat’ cleft nose correction procedure, which he practices with his team at the Cleft Hospital Pakistan, a hospital that he helped to build. Mr. Riaz is known for his work in the field of cleft lip and palate repair. He makes two trips to the region every year in order to carry out charitable work there, assisting youngsters who suffer from the ailment.

His method is now available to the public and has been written up in the Sage Open journal, which is an open-access publication that contains both original research and review papers and which is subject to peer review.

Mr. Riaz adds, “Cleft nose is a complicated deformity that is present in infants born with cleft lip or cleft lip and palate. It may also be present in individuals born without cleft lip.” The growth of the upper jaw bone is not symmetrical in any way.

“Repairs for cleft lips and palates are performed on children while they are still in their infant months. Nonetheless, the majority of patients have their nasal deformity treated at or after puberty when the bone growth is complete. There are certain treatments that can correct nasal deformity as well, however, the majority of patients have this correction done after puberty.

Because of the malposition of the nasal septum as well as the hypoplasia and weakening of the cleft side nasal cartilages, these infants suffer from nasal obstruction as well as severe nose deformity.

Via the Overseas Plastic Surgery Appeal, Mr. Riaz is pleased to provide his services to infants and children in Pakistan and other underdeveloped nations, which have a higher incidence of cleft lip and palate conditions. More than 25,000 cleft procedures have been conducted at The Cleft Hospital since it opened in 1995, making it one of the foremost authorities on how to treat cleft. With each trip that Mr. Riaz makes, he and his team of surgeons are able to do as many as 200 operations.

When asked about his job, he stated to the Hull Daily Mail how situations like these may have a negative impact on a child’s morale, which can lead to difficulties in the classroom. He told the newspaper that the youngsters are “such pleased” after the operation because they can mingle with the students in the playground. “The children are so happy because they can mix with the schoolchildren in the playground.” “In the past, it was not conceivable for them; it felt as if they were ignored. They have been picked on by the other children both inside and outside of the school’s play area. Yet today they are full of self-assurance and happiness.

“I believe that it is really fulfilling when you are able to accomplish something and see how much of a difference it makes in the lives of other people. It is what motivates us to continue doing this job.”

Mr. Riaz has been involved with the Overseas Plastic Surgery Appeal (OSPA) for a significant amount of time, both as a trustee and as a member of the medical team. He said, “I am in charge of organizing the teams that make the twice-yearly travels to the Cleft Hospital. These teams include surgeons from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other countries.” In addition, there are registered nurses, practitioners in the operating department, and speech therapists on the team.

“On our travels to the United Kingdom and Pakistan, we urge trainees from both countries to join us so that they may get vital clinical and cultural experience.” In order for the nurses and other paramedical personnel to gain knowledge and experience from the visiting professors, we have organized teaching and training courses. 

Here, you may read a feature that takes you inside Mr. Riaz’s clinic at the Cleft Hospital for one hour. Visit the website clefthospital.com to learn more about Cleft Hospital Pakistan and the work that it does.

You may provide assistance by making a contribution to the OPSA charity via this link in order to fund future cleft programs.