The embryological, developmental and functional importance in the repair of the nasal musculature to reduce the deformity of the cleft lip nose.

The latent ability of nasal growth to correct developmental deformities when caused by a deforming force has been shown in nasal dermoids where early surgery by removing the deforming elements allows subsequent growth of the nasal bones and cartilages to correct the abnormality. An embryological study into the nasal musculature has shown both an orbicularis and dilator system to be present. The correction of the abnormal musculature in the cleft lip nose by removing the deforming connections and realigning the muscles allows subsequent growth the possibility of producing normal development. Primary surgery in the cleft lip nose has not shown any detrimental growth patterns and correction of the nasal musculature should therefore be carried out at the time of the primary lip correction.