Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of cartilage reconstruction in renovating secondary nasal deformity of unilateral cleft lip. Methods From Jan. 2012 to Jan. 2013, 17 patients, more than 16 years old, with secondary nasal deformity of unilateral cleft lip, were treated with cartilage reconstruction. Autogenous costicartilage was carved into different shapes, and then cartilage frameworks were embedded to renovate the deformities in nasal septum, columella and nosewing. Results All patients were followed up for 6 months to 2 years and were all satisfied with the outline of external nose. Caved nosewing, flatted nasal tip and symmetry of the nostril were evidently improved. Conclusion Autologous costicartilage transplantation plays an important role in the correction of secondary nasal deformity of cleft lip.