Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip-palate is a common birth defect of face. A cleft lip is a physical split or separation of the two sides of the upper lip and extends beyond the base of the nose and includes the bones of the upper jaw and/or upper gum.

A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth and involves the hard palate and/or the soft palate . Surgical correction is usually performed during the third month of the life for the lip and between 9-18 months for the palate. The basic aim in lip repair is to close the cleft symmetrically whereas the basic aim in palate repair is to correct the muscles of palate and allow the child to eat and speak normally. Occasional healing problems or speech problems may necessitate a second surgical procedure.