Isolated nasalis muscle reconstruction in secondary unilateral cleft lip nasal reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Reconstruction of the nasalis muscle in the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity improves surgical results. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of a series of 112 consecutive procedures. METHODS: Chart review and analysis of standardized preoperative and postoperative clinical photographs. RESULTS: Patients treated with this technique had improved contour of the alar base compared with historical controls. CONCLUSION: Nasalis muscle reconstruction should be considered in the repair of the moderate to severe unilateral cleft nose deformity.