Cleft Nasal Deformity

While the lip deformity in unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate patients may be the primary focus of parents, most surgeons agree that it is the stigmata of the cleft nasal deformity that is most conspicuous. The cleft lip nasal deformity has been a complex source of innovation for pediatric plastic surgeons for decades. Techniques have evolved as knowledge and experience have grown. Thoughtful surgeons continue to be critical of their outcomes and modify their technique throughout their careers. Here we discuss the fundamentals of the cleft lip nasal deformity and its primary and delayed repair.