Cleft lip type nasal deformity: definitive repair.

The problem of the cleft lip nasal deformity is one of understanding the specific anatomical defect and providing proper correction. Each may depend on good exposure. This article is not intended to review the literature, but rather to make a statement in this regard. An approach is taken which outlines the nature of the typical deformity and a method of definitive correction with the aid of a midface avulsion flap for total exposure. Cases are presented for illustration. This technique can be used with other associated corrective maneuvers simultaneously as appropriate (such as repair of fistulae, septal corrections, floor changes, and so on). The exposure principle can be adapted to many difficult midface or nasal surgical needs.