Cleft Lip & Palate

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Cleft Lip & Palate

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Cleft Lip & Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common congenital facial deformities. A cleft lip is a split or opening in the upper lip, while a cleft palate is a gap in the roof of the mouth. These can occur individually or together, affecting not just appearance but also feeding, speech, hearing, and dental development.

With timely, expert surgical intervention, children born with cleft conditions can lead healthy, confident lives with normal facial growth and speech development.

What Causes Cleft Lip and Palate?

Clefts occur when facial structures fail to fuse properly during early fetal development. Causes may include:

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Nutritional deficiency during pregnancy

  • Environmental factors

  • Syndromic conditions (in some cases)

Early diagnosis through prenatal scans or post-birth evaluation is key.

Types of Clefts We Treat

  • Unilateral cleft lip (one side)

  • Bilateral cleft lip (both sides)

  • Incomplete or complete cleft palate

  • Submucous cleft palate

  • Combined cleft lip and palate

Each type requires a tailored surgical and therapeutic approach.

Treatment Plan and Timeline

Cleft repair involves a multi-disciplinary, staged approach including surgery, speech therapy, dental care, and psychological support.

  • Cleft Lip Repair: Around 3–6 months of age

  • Cleft Palate Repair: Around 9–12 months

  • Speech Therapy: Begins post palate repair, continues as needed

  • Alveolar Bone Grafting: Usually at 8–10 years for dental arch development

  • Orthodontics & Secondary Surgery: As needed during adolescence

  • Rhinoplasty or Lip Revision: In late teens, if required

Surgical Goals

  • Restore normal appearance of the lip and nose

  • Close the gap in the roof of the mouth to separate nose and oral cavity

  • Enable normal speech, feeding, and breathing

  • Promote proper growth of facial bones and teeth

  • Minimize scarring and enhance facial harmony

Why Early Surgery is Crucial

Early repair significantly improves the child’s ability to:

  • Feed properly (especially with palate repair)

  • Develop clear speech

  • Integrate socially

  • Prevent hearing and ear infections

  • Build self-esteem from a young age

Why Choose Us for Cleft Repair

  • Expert plastic and craniofacial surgeons with pediatric focus

  • Use of advanced microsurgical and tissue-handling techniques

  • Child-centered care with anesthesia and post-op safety

  • In-house team of speech therapists, orthodontists, ENT, and pediatricians

  • Focus on minimal scarring and long-term aesthetics