Cleft Lip & Palate Repair

A child born with a separation in the upper lip is said to have a cleft lip.  A similar birth defect in the roof of the mouth, or palate, is called a cleft palate.

Since the lip and the palate develop separately, it is possible for a child to have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or variations of both.

In the early weeks of development, long before a child is born, the right and left sides of the lip and the roof of the mouth normally grow together. Occasionally, however, in about one of every 800 babies, those sections don't quite meet. 

For most infants with cleft lip alone, the abnormality can be repaired within the first several months of life. This will be decided by your child's surgeon. The goal of this surgery is to fix the separation of the lip. Sometimes, a second operation is needed.

Cleft palate repairs are usually done between the ages of 9 to 18 months, but before the age of 2. This is a more complicated surgery and is done when the baby is bigger and better able to tolerate the surgery. The exact timing of the surgery will be decided by your child's physician. The goal of this surgery is to fix the roof of the mouth so that your child can eat and learn to talk normally. Sometimes, a second operation is needed.

Medical professionals have made great advances in treating children with clefts and can do a lot to help your child lead a normal, healthy, happy life.  

Please ask your doctor for further information.