Treatment for cleft lip and palate

Treatment for Cleft Lip and Palate Cleft lip and palate are developmental defects of the upper lip and roof of the mouth that are caused by genetic and environmental factors.

Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery

Cleft lip and palate is a congenital ailment characterized by malformation of the upper lip and roof of the mouth that happen in the early stages of pregnancy, when the fetus is developing.

Cleft lip refers to a separation of the two sides of the upper lip that appears as a narrow opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip. Cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth which can involve the hard palate and/or the soft palate. Cleft palate repair is a plastic surgery procedure performed to correct this abnormal development, which can affect the child’s health as well as social interaction by way of speech abnormality, impaired hearing and psychological trauma. The procedure can improve the hearing, breathing, eating and speaking abilities of the child, and restore function and a more normal appearance.

Cleft Palate – Causes and Treatment The reasons for this developmental abnormality are not quite clear, though researchers believe that it may be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors: 

Inherited genes

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Environmental factors

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Lack of folic acid during pregnancy

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Smoking

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Consumption of alcohol

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Nutrition and obesity

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Medications consumed during pregnancy

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Viral illness

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Exposure of the fetus to chemicals

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Cleft repair surgery is usually performed in the early stages of infancy when the baby is between 6 and 12 months old. In addition to surgical repair of the cleft, the treatment may include speech rehabilitation, surgery to improve facial appearance, and dental correction.

The initial stage of the surgery involves making pre-operative adjustments using nasal alveolar molding (NAM) to guide the growth of the mouth in the right direction. Using a specific dental impression material, the plastic surgeon makes an upper jaw mold with an acrylic plate, which is fitted into the baby’s mouth. Adjustments are made on a weekly basis to correctly align the growing bone. It is usually a lengthy process which involves realigning the upper jaw’s cleft segments. The cleft lip edges are brought closer to allow precise cleft repair and correction of nose deformities.

Jaw alignment is followed by lip alignment improvement, after which nasal correction is initiated. Nasal correction is done by placing a separate stent from the plate extending to nostril to improve the lining of the nose and to elevate the nasal tip. The lining of nose is then stretched with focus on accuracy and aesthetics. The length of the nasal alveolar molding procedure will vary based on the severity of the condition. Nasal alveolar molding is particularly beneficial for patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate. In cases where the cleft involves the gum line, a bone grafting and orthodontic care may be recommended at a later stage.

Following treatment, most children will have a normal appearance with greatly improved quality of life, ability to breathe, eat and speak. When the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon, scarring, discomfort and surgical trauma are minimal. So choosing the right plastic surgeon is critical to the success of cleft lip/cleft palate treatment. Find a reliable

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craniofacial surgeon providing this reconstructive procedure in an AAAASF-accredited surgical center. Such surgeons would work together with health care providers from various specialties to ensure the overall well-being of the child.

www.hpcsurgery.com

713-791-0700