Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery in Rancho Mirage
Understanding Cleft Lip and Palate
During early pregnancy, separate areas of the face develop individually and then join together. When some areas do not join properly, a cleft may form. If the separation occurs in the upper lip, it is called a cleft lip. If the opening occurs in the roof of the mouth, it is called a cleft palate.
A cleft lip may range from a small notch in the upper lip to a complete separation that extends toward the nose. A cleft palate may involve the soft palate, hard palate, or both. Some children are born with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both.
Who It Helps
How Cleft Conditions Can Affect a Child
Cleft lip and palate conditions may affect:
- Facial appearance
- Feeding and swallowing
- Speech development
- Hearing
- Dental development
- Jaw growth
- Breathing in some cases
- Psychological and social development
Because these conditions can affect several areas of growth and function, children often need coordinated care from multiple professionals. Specialists may be involved in feeding, speech, hearing, and psychological development.
What to Expect
The Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Process
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Evaluation
Care begins with a careful evaluation of the lip, palate, mouth, facial structure, breathing, feeding, and development needs.
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Coordinated Planning
Treatment may involve several healthcare professionals, depending on the child’s age, symptoms, growth, speech, dental needs, and overall health.
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Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be recommended to close the separation, restore muscle function, improve the shape of the lip or palate, and support feeding, speech, and facial development.
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Follow-Up and Growth Monitoring
Cleft-related care may continue as the child grows. Additional procedures or treatment may be recommended depending on speech, dental development, jaw growth, or facial structure.
Treatment Goals
Goals of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery
The goals of treatment depend on the child’s needs and the type of cleft present. In general, surgery may be designed to:
- Close the separation in the lip or palate
- Restore muscle function
- Improve feeding and swallowing
- Support speech development
- Improve facial balance and appearance
- Support dental and jaw development
- Reduce communication between the nose and mouth
- Improve long-term oral function
Palate repair may involve closing the gap between the roof of the mouth and nose, reconnecting the muscles that help the palate work, and making the palate long enough to function properly.
Important Considerations
Ongoing Care After Surgery
After cleft palate repair, many children have an easier time swallowing foods and liquids. However, some children may develop an opening between the nose and mouth after repair, known as a fistula. A small fistula may cause occasional leakage of fluids into the nose, while a larger one can affect eating and speech and may require additional surgery.
Because every child’s condition is different, treatment timing and follow-up needs should be discussed with the surgical team.
Related Services
Related Oral Surgery Services
Get Started
Schedule a Cleft Lip or Palate Evaluation
If your child has a cleft lip, cleft palate, or a cleft-related concern affecting feeding, speech, dental development, jaw growth, or facial structure, Desert Maxillofacial Center can help evaluate the condition and discuss possible next steps.