A cleft lip is a visible gap or indentation in the lip present at birth, while a cleft palate is a similar gap in the roof of the mouth. These conditions can lead to difficulties in feeding, growth, and speech for affected children, necessitating ongoing treatment and assessments as they develop.
Our specialized cleft team and center offer a comprehensive range of treatments for these children, including:
- Surgery:
- Lip surgery typically performed around 3 months of age
- Palate surgery usually done between 6 to 12 months of age
- Additional surgical procedures such as alveolar bone grafting around 8-12 years of age, rhinoplasty to improve nose shape, and pharyngoplasty to enhance speech
- Feeding assistance and advice
- Treatment for hearing issues
- Dental care
- Speech and language therapy.