Surgical Repair of a Child s Cleft Lip
The cleft lip is the 2nd most common congenital birth defect in children, occurring in an estimated 1 out of 750-1000 births. This deformity causes the lip to not join together and can be as simple as a small grove in an upper lip to a large groove extending to the bottom of the nostril. Parents that have a child born with a cleft lip must consider how the deformity could affect their child’s appearance, speech and health, with most parents seeking surgical repair through an experienced facial plastic surgeon.
Plastic Surgery for a Cleft Lift
Although plastic surgery can be done at any time to repair a cleft lip, it is usually recommended when the child is still an infant. Often this will occur when the child is between three and six months old. Repairing the defect early can offset eating and speech problems as they mature and allow for maximum healing. The extent of the surgery depends on the type of cleft lip and how much structural changes will be needed to correct the deformity.
It is very common for cleft lip repairs to take more than one surgery. Although the first surgery may occur when the child is only an infant, additional repairs may be needed as the child matures to get the best results. However, having this issue repaired at such an early age can minimize any emotional trauma the child may have undergone due to the deformity.
For those parents seeking repair for their child’s cleft lip, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon who specializes in repairing these types of congenital deformities and anomalies for the best results.
Posted on behalf of:
Beverly Hills Center for Plastic & Laser Surgery
120 South Spalding Drive #236
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 288-0641
The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
)