Cleft lip and palate are the most common defects to occur in infants. Cleft lip and palate is the incomplete formation of the lip and the roof of the mouth. The defects can occur separately or together and may vary in severity.
A cleft develops very early in the maturation of a fetus. As the fetus develops, the upper lip and roof of the mouth may fail to form normally which results in a cleft.
Most clefts can be repaired through surgical procedures, which can dramatically improve your child’s ability to eat, speak, breathe, and hear, restoring their facial appearance.
Typically, a cleft lip is repaired when the child is between 6 to 12 weeks old. We will use general anesthesia so that your child will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. The doctor will trim any necessary tissues and will sew the lip together using extremely small stitches, minimizing any resulting scar.
Cleft palate repair is normally performed when the child is older, between the ages of 9 months and 1 year old. It is important to wait to perform the palate surgery, as the palate will change as the baby grows. However, the surgery must still be performed at an early age so as to prevent speech problems. Wherever you are on your care journey, our promise is to make sure you feel comfortable, confident, and informed every step of the way.
Transformations
A corrective surgery, like cleft lip and palate, is transformational and life-changing, restoring your child’s facial aesthetic and improving their ability to speak, eat, and breathe without difficulty.