Application of inferior turbinate flap in cheiloplasty for wide cleft gaps

In cases of complete cleft lip with an absent nasal floor, reconstructing the mucosal lining of the nasal floor and the intraoral cleft gap is critical for a successful cheiloplasty. The inferior turbinate flap has been proposed as an option for nasal floor reconstruction, with various technical strategies available. This article presents three cases of cheiloplasty utilizing the inferior turbinate mucosal flap to line wide cleft gaps. By employing the inferior turbinate flap, the nasal floor can be reconstructed effectively without leaving raw surfaces. Thus, the inferior turbinate mucosal flap is a valuable technique for nasal floor and intraoral lining reconstruction, particularly in cases with a very wide cleft gap.