Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery Bangalore

Cleft Lip & Palate surgery

Cleft lip and palate are congenital disabilities that occur when the lip and roof of the mouth don’t form during pregnancy. These conditions can affect a child’s appearance, speech, hearing, and feeding. While these conditions can be challenging, effective surgical and non-surgical treatments are available.

What is Cleft Lip and Palate?

A cleft lip is a cut in the upper lip during fetal development, and a cleft palate is a cut in the roof of the mouth. These conditions can occur separately or together. The exact cause is unknown, but it combines genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms of Cleft Lip and Palate

An opening in the upper lip
An opening in the palate
Challenges with feeding
Congestion in the nose
Infections in the ears

How is the Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery done?

Surgery for cleft lip and palate is usually done in phases, and the schedule is based on the child’s general well-being and growth.

Surgery for Cleft Lip: Typically, this procedure is performed when the baby reaches 2-3 months of age. It entails closing the cleft in the lip.
Surgery for cleft palate is usually done when the child is around 9-12 months old. During the procedure, the aperture in the roof of the mouth is closed.

Further surgeries might be required to address speech, hearing, or dental problems.

How is the Recovery from Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Recovery duration differs based on the complexity of the surgery. The surgeon will provide detailed post-operative care guidelines for parents.

Basic care involves

Managing pain through the use of recommended medication
Ensuring the surgical area is kept clean
Taking measures to avoid infections

What is Long-Term Care for Children with Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery?

Children with cleft lip and palate typically need continuous care from a specialized team that may include orthodontists, speech therapists, and audiologists. Early intervention is essential for the best results.

Common FAQs About Cleft Lip and Palate

What are the causes of cleft lip and palate?

No specific reason is known; however, it seems to be a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

Can the cleft lip and palate be prevented?

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent cleft lip and palate, Maintaining general health throughout pregnancy can lower the likelihood of developing it.

Will my child have speech problems?

Speech difficulties may arise in some children, but early speech therapy intervention can be beneficial.

Does my child have to undergo multiple surgeries?

Multiple surgeries are often necessary as children with cleft lip and palate continue to grow.

Is it likely that my child will experience hearing difficulties?

Children with a cleft palate are more likely to have ear infections, which can affect their hearing; hence, it is critical to schedule regular appointments with an audiologist.

Cleft lip and palate pose a complex challenge, but with timely intervention and thorough care, children affected by these conditions can live healthy and rewarding lives.

Our other related treatments – Habit Breaking Appliances and Dental Trauma and Emergency Care

Creating Smiles for Life Since 1969

Creating Smiles for Life Since 1969