Cleft Lip and Palate

Mainly a surgery that occurs with children, cleft lip and palate surgery is needed when the sides of the lip and roof of the mouth do not grow together as they should and end up not connecting. A separation in the upper lip is known as a cleft lip and a similar defect in the roof of the mouth is known as cleft palate.

The Procedure
These two problems require two different surgeries. In a cleft lip surgery, an incision is made on both sides of the cleft from the tip of the nostril. The dark pink outer portion of the cleft is then turned down, and the muscle and skin of the lip are pulled together to closet he separation. The muscle function and normal shape of the lip are restored. The nostril deformity caused by the cleft lip may also be restored at this time or at a later date. In cleft palate surgery, an incision is made on both sides of the separation. Tissue is moved from each side of the cleft to the center of midline of the roof of the mouth. This procedure rebuilds the palate, connecting muscle and providing sufficient length in the palate to allow the child to eat and learn to speak correctly.

Before and After
After the surgery, your child may be restless, dressings will be removed within a few days and stitches are either removed or dissolved within a week. Your physician will advise you on how to feed your child and any scars from this surgery will gradually fade with time.