1. The cartilage at the tip of the nose determines the shape and height of the nose. Of course, the cartilage of the nose is attached to the soft tissue of the maxillofacial region. If the soft tissue defect caused by cleft lip and palate leads to lack of nasal support, it can be better improved after operation. If it is determined by the shape of the cartilage of the nose itself, the changes after the operation may be great.
2. You said, "My nasal secretions often flow down my throat, and my speech has a serious nasal sound." This is indeed caused by cleft lip and palate. Because of the loss of the separation of the palate, the connection between the nose and the mouth is abnormal, and nasal secretions will flow down into the mouth. Moreover, due to the change of the shape of the nose and mouth, the flow direction and vibration of the sound have changed, and nasal sounds will appear. Both of these conditions can be improved by surgery.
This operation is not very painful and the recovery is not slow. As long as you have confidence, you will get better in the end.