Congenital absence of the nasal columella.

Three cases of congenital absence of the nasal columella are presented: one male and twin females. The male also had bilateral congenital cataracts. The nose and the septum were otherwise well developed and appeared normal. The missing segment involved the medial crura of the alar cartilages with their tegumental mantle. There was no deformity of the upper lip or alveolus. Two procedures for reconstruction of the columella that were used in these cases are described in detail. The embryonic pathogenesis of this deformity is suggested.