Paramedian nasal cleft is a rare developmental defect during embryogenesis characterized by a unilateral or bilateral coloboma of the nose, ranging in severity from a small notch, resulting in minor deviation of the nasal septum, to variable-sized clefts of the nasal ala which may be associated with small cysts or sinuses in the nasal midline. Defect may be isolated or may occur in association with cleft lip and/or other craniofacial anomalies (e.g. hypertelorism, broadening of nasal root, midline cleft). Dorsum and apex of nose are usually well preserved.
Management of unilateral cleft lip nose deformity, with retracted ala of the noncleft side.
Koh KS, Kim EK. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;118(3):723-9.
Traditionally, the goal of management of unilateral cleft lip-cleft nose deformity has been nasal symmetry, with improved nasolabial and nasofacial relationships and the noncleft side as the reference point.
