Correction of the nose in patients with unilateral cleft lip with composite grafts

We used composite conchal cartilage graft for columellar lengthening in eight patients with unilateral cleft lip and a nasal deformity. In 16 patients we used a buccal mucosal graft to line the nasal vestibule. We also used corrective procedures such as alveolar bone grafting for closure of palatal fistulas, septoplasty, malar augmentation, nasal osteotomy, and Le Fort I osteotomy to deal with associated deformities. Grafts took well with no loss and no donor site morbidity. In the follow up of 8 months-3 years, corrections were found to be stable and satisfying to all the patients. Only by replacing deficient tissues with similar tissues and putting them in the proper anatomical position can long term consistent and reliable results be achieved in the correction of nasal deformities associated with unilateral cleft lip.