What are the Cleft Lip and Palate and know how this Defect is repaired!

The Cleft Lip (Cheiloschisis) & the Cleft Palate (Palatoschisis) is one of the most lethal birth defects; in which the upper lip and the roof of the mouth remain split because of these parts not being completely fused in the embryo. In the United States, approximately one out of every 600 White American & one out of every 1,850 African-American newly born children is suffering with this abnormality.

Reasons of Defects

  • A Birth Defect;
  • A Hereditary Consequence;
  • Due to a Consumption of Heavy Medicines or Excessive Alcohol during Pregnancy;

Results of Delayed Treatment

The Cleft Lip and Palate should be repaired in 6-12 weeks & 9-12 months respectively. If left untreated on time, difficulty in feeding, delayed speech or impaired hearing are medical anomalies, further found in a child.

Cleft Lip/Palate Repair

Plastic Surgery is an ultimate solution to repair the cleft lip and palate in a child. In a cleft lip and palate repair procedure, tissues from the lip and upper part of the mouth are trimmed to cover the defected areas, especially conducted under general anesthesia. Mostly, the stitches & scars are healed within a short time period.

Post-Surgical Steps

Post-surgery, regular dentistry check-ups with the dental surgeon and speech therapist should be scheduled to avoid any uncertain difficulties & enhance better recovery in a child!