Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft Lip and Palate repair is a reconstructive procedure that aims to correct abnormalities or birth defects within the lip and face.
This is a very common abnormality among infants, which can be caused by genetic or environmental factors during fetal development. It is characterized by the incomplete development of the roof of the mouth or upper lip.
This procedure helps correct the physical appearance as well as restore air flow and breathing functions.
Preparation
Cleft Lip and Palate Repairs are highly individualized procedures, which require extensive support from various medical professionals.
Our expert team of PAPRAS doctors along with medical professionals will help evaluate and recommend the best form of treatment for patients. This usually involves a team of plastic surgeons, pediatricians, orthodontists, ENT specialists, speech therapists, and more.
Depending on the severity of the cleft lip and palate, cleft lift repair may be done among infants anywhere between ages 2-6months, while cleft palate repairs may be done from 9-18 months.
Healing and Recovery
Child patients may be unable to eat or drink normally following the procedure. During this time, intravenous feeding may be recommended by your PAPRAS surgeon. It is very important that parents strictly adhere to the feeding guidelines provided by doctors following the surgery to avoid any possible risks or complications.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Following health and safety guidelines, your plastic surgeon may advise you to provide thorough information on your medical history. In this time of COVID-19, a cleft lip and palate treatment is considered a high-risk procedure and requires a negative PCR swab result prior to surgery.