CLEFT LIP AND PALATE SURGERY

Between the 6th-11th weeks of the gestational period, the right and left sides of the lip and the roof of the mouth normally grow together. However, in about one of every 700 babies, those sections do not fuse. Cleft lip and palate are variation of a type of congenital clefting deformity caused by abnormal facial development during gestation. Causes of these deformities can be genetic in nature, the result of environmental factors, maternal diet and vitamin intake, illegal drugs, alcohol, cigarette use, and others.

These birth defects are of variable severity. It is possible for a child to have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or variations of both. The condition can be slight or severe, unilateral or bilateral. These children may have problems with their feeding and their teeth, their hearing, their speech, and their psychological development as they grow up. If a child is born with either or both of these conditions, doctors usually recommend surgery. A cleft lip or palate can be successfully treated with surgery soon after birth. However, in some cases a second or even third surgery will be necessary.

The treatment of cleft lip and palate is so complex that no one specialist can handle all of the issues that arise. A multidisciplinary team approach to the treatment of these deformities will be needed. The team is led by an otolaryngologist and a facial plastic surgeon, as well as other specialists from several disciplines. When surgery is done by a qualified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Espinosa, with experience in repairing cleft lip and palate, the results can be quite positive.

Dr. Espinosa is usually assisted by a highly qualified team of orthodontic specialists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and odontopediatricians, during the treatment process. Since children change as they grow, evaluations and treatments will be related to the age of the child. Most surgeries to close the cleft lip are performed within the 3-18 months after birth. Treatment procedures can vary depending on the age, weight and health of child. Due to lack of suction, an infant with a cleft may have trouble feeding. As some mothers prefer breast feeding, nutrition in children with these conditions might be a problem. Providing nutrition through a special bottle is commonly used. However, most parents feel frustrated because of the risk of malnutrition for their children.

Medical professionals have made great advances in treating children with clefts and can do a lot to help them lead a normal and happy life. By sophisticated surgical procedures the deviated septum is treated and closed. These kids may also need a bone graft, usually taken from their septum, ears or rib. Most children born with either or both of these conditions undergo reconstructive surgery while they are still infants to correct the defect and significantly improve their facial appearance. During your consultation with Dr. Espinosa, he will discuss the details of the procedure, costs, recovery, post-operative care, and the results you can expect. Remember, after surgery your child will need continuous observation of his/her maxillary and dental development, as well as psychological and affective support.