Correction of nasal deformity in unilateral cleft lip

Objective To analyze the mechanism of nasal deformity and to correct the nasal deformity using appropriate operation accordingly.Methods The nasal skin was widely undermined from the nostril rim,to permit lifting the alar cartilage easily,and the alar cartilage was raised to its normal and symmetrical position and then sutured.A Z plasty was made on the ridge of nasal mucosa under nostril on the side of the cleft.Results A total of 56 cases were treated by the method above,and 94.6% of cases were evaluated as satisfaction.Conclusion It is very important to undermine the alar cartilage on the side of the cleft to achieve better results.The ridge of nasal mucosa under nostril on the side of the cleft affects not only the shape of nose tip,but also the function of respiration.Therefore,it is also important to correct the ridge of nasal mucosa.