
What is Cleft Lip?
Cleft lip is a congenital anomaly and occurs when the area between the upper lip and nose does not close completely. This results in a cleft or opening in the lip. A cleft lip can be unilateral (on one side) or bilateral (on both sides). Since cleft lip is not usually seen alone, it may also be associated with cleft palate.
Cleft Lip Treatment Process
The cleft lip treatment process usually begins after birth and involves a series of surgical and therapeutic approaches. The treatment process includes the following steps:
- Early Intervention: Cleft lip is treated immediately after birth. The first intervention is usually done within the first 3-6 months after birth.
- Surgical Intervention: Surgery is performed to close the cleft lip. In most cases, more than one surgery may be needed for cleft lip repair. The first surgery is usually done between 3-6 months.
- Follow-up and Rehabilitation: After surgery, the patient’s speech and language development is monitored. Rehabilitation procedures such as speech therapy and dental treatment may be required.
- Advanced Surgical Interventions: As the child grows older, additional correction surgeries can be performed for aesthetic and functional purposes.
How is Cleft Lip Surgery Performed?
Cleft lip surgery is usually performed when the baby is 3-6 months old. The aim of the surgery is to close the cleft in the lip and ensure the formation of a normal lip structure. The procedure is carried out in the following steps:
- Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The baby or child is put to sleep so that they do not feel any pain during the procedure.
- Surgical incisions: Incisions are made along the cleft in the lip. The wound edges are joined and the surgeon creates a smooth lip structure.
- Stitches: After the cleft is closed, dissolvable sutures are usually used so that postoperative scars are minimized.
- Scar Management: After surgery, the wound is allowed to heal properly. Scars are usually hidden in the folds of the lips so that they are less visually noticeable.
How is Cleft Palate Surgery Performed?
Cleft palate is a condition that is often associated with a cleft lip and requires surgical closure of the opening in the palate. Cleft palate surgery is usually performed between 9-12 months and the process works as follows:
- Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The child is put to sleep so that they do not feel any pain during the procedure.
- Incisions and correction: The opening in the palate is closed with incisions, usually made inside the mouth. The surgeon reshapes the palate bone and soft tissues to create a normal palate structure.
- Sutures: Stitches are usually dissolvable stitches so that there are no scars after surgery.
- Recovery: Nutrition and speech therapy may be required for some time after surgery. Also, the development of the palate is monitored with subsequent operations.
Cleft palate surgery is important to improve the child’s quality of life and enable them to regain normal speech function. This surgical procedure is usually done in several stages.