One-stage correction of severe nasal deformity associated with a unilateral cleft lip

Correction of one of the abnormal features is never enough to alleviate the entire deformity in a patient with a unilateral cleft lip and deformed nose, because the factors that led to the nasal deformity have already produced changes in the lower lateral cartilage, nostril, columella, septum, and alar base. These changes should be treated together with the contributory factors. By restoring the balance of the muscles by primary repair of the lip, orthodontic treatment, and orthognathic surgery, a more symmetric skeletal base can be established. The method of repair of the lip will also influence the deformity. Bone grafting can augment the skeletal base, but it will not improve the position of the lower lateral cartilage or the deviated septum. In this paper we describe a single stage correction of all the irregularities of the nose in patients with unilateral clefts which alleviates the asymmetrical nasal deformity.