Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery in Delhi - Expert Surgeons

Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate

Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate are the most common birth defects. They most commonly occur as isolated birth defects or can occur as a part of many genetic symptoms. Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate are openings or splits in the upper lip, roof of mouth (palate) or both, Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate are a result when facial structures that are developing in a new born baby do not close completely.

Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate can be corrected with Surgery. A series of surgeries might be needed to achieve normal function and appearance.

Causes of Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate

Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate occurs because of non fusion of either bones or soft tissues in the areas leading to a cleft lip or cleft palate or both . Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate happens in the second and third months of pregnancy.

Various causes are :

• Genetic.
• Environmental. 

Risk factors for Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate

Family history of Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate:

• Exposure to substances like tobacco , alcohol , certain medications during pregnancy.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity during pregnancy.

Challenges of Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate

Patients with Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate face challenges like 

• Difficulty in feeding.
• Ear infections and hearing loss.
• Dental problems.
• Speech difficulties.
• Emotional, Social challenges that face both the parents and child.

Treatment of Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate

• Surgery remains the choice of treatment for Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate. Surgery to repair cleft lip occurs usually in the first few months of life and is recommended within the first 12 months of life . Surgery to repair a cleft palate is recommended within the first 18 months of life or earlier if possible.
• Surgical repair improves the look and appearance of the child and may also help breathing , hearing, speech, but other treatments like dental, orthodontic and speech treatments are also needed.