A cleft lip is a separation of the upper lip that can extend to the nose. A similar birth defect in the roof of the mouth, or palate, is called a cleft palate. This occurs in the early weeks of development when the right and left sides of the lip and the roof of the mouth normally grow together.

One child in 800 in the United States is born with a cleft lip or palate. It is the fourth most common birth defect and the most common facial defect. Cleft lip may occur alone or in conjunction with cleft palate. Its forms range from mildly disfiguring notch in the upper lip to bilateral complete cleft lip with a nasal deformity and involvement of the hard palate and teeth.

Reasons for Considering Cleft Lip or Palate Surgery:

• Correct problems and avoid potential problems with hearing, speech and psychological development that may occur
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• Remedy problems with feeding and growth of teeth

• Improve nasal and/or lip deformities

General Procedure:

The standard procedure for repair of a cleft lip closes the opening of the upper lip and corrects the shape of the nose under general anesthesia  This procedure is performed at approximately 6 months of age.The surgeon will make an incision on either side of the cleft from the mouth to the nostril. The dark pink outer portion of the cleft is turned down and the muscles and skin are pulled together to close the separation. Muscle function and the normal shape of the mouth are restored. Orthodontic appliances are often helpful in realigning the lip and palate pre-operatively.  Occasionally, a secondary procedure may be required to help correct helaing abnormalities

The standard procedure for a cleft palate repair is a more extensive surgery, performed at approximately 9 months of age. The surgeon will make an incision on both sides of the palate, moving tissue from each side of the cleft to the center or midline of the roof of the mouth. This rebuilds the palate, joining the hard palate and muscles together .

Between 6 – 9 years of age, alveolar bone grafting is often necessary for tooth development.  Orthodontic treatment is essential.  In the teen age years, jaw surgery may be necessary.

Recovery Process:

After the initial surgery, elbow restraints are used for 6 weeks, to protect the repair  Medication is prescribed to relieve any discomfort. You will be instructed on special feeding and care to allow proper healing. It is crucial to follow the doctor’s advice after surgery.

For more information, please visit the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association website.