Why are cleft lips bad?

Children with a cleft lip or a cleft palate, depending on the size of the openings, may have problems eating and breathing. As they grow older, they may also have speech and language delays. Children with cleft lip or palate are also more likely to have ear infections, hearing loss, and problems with their teeth.

At what age should cleft lip be repaired?

The cleft lip usually is corrected early in a child’s life, between 3 to 6 months of age, but sometimes later. Cleft lip surgery will correct the cleft and usually will leave minimal scarring.

Can cleft lips be fixed?

Surgery to repair a cleft lip usually occurs in the first few months of life and is recommended within the first 12 months of life. Surgery to repair a cleft palate is recommended within the first 18 months of life or earlier if possible. Many children will need additional surgical procedures as they get older.

What race is cleft lip most common?

Cleft lip is more common among Asian (1.7 per 1000) and American Indian (3.6 per 1000) live births. It is less common than average in African Americans at 1 in 2500. Males are more frequently affected than are females.

Does cleft lip affect teeth?

Many children born with a cleft of the lip and/or palate will have missing teeth, particularly in the line of the cleft. They may also have extra teeth, misshapen or malformed teeth (Figure 1). As a result their teeth can be crowded, tilted or rotated (Figure 2).

Is cleft lip surgery safe?

Most cleft lip repairs are successful, but complications may become serious and life threatening in some cases. Complications can develop during surgery or recovery. The general risks of surgery include: Anesthesia reaction, such as an allergic reaction and problems with breathing.

Can a cleft lip be seen on ultrasound?

Cleft lip may be detected with ultrasound beginning around the 13th week of pregnancy. As the fetus continues developing, it may be easier to accurately diagnose a cleft lip. Cleft palate that occurs alone is more difficult to see using ultrasound.

Why do Native Americans have cleft lip?

The CDC writes, “The causes of orofacial clefts among most infants are unknown.” The CDC goes on to note that clefts are thought to be caused by “a combination of genes and other factors, such as things the mother comes in contact with in her environment, or what the mother eats or drinks, or certain medications she …

Can cleft lip scar be removed?

Surgery under general anesthesia is often required to close the opening caused by a cleft lip or palate. During the surgery, a plastic surgeon will make minimal incisions on the outer edges of the separated tissues and sew the lip together. Small, dissolvable stitches are commonly used to reduce visible scarring.

How do they repair a cleft lip?

The most common type of cleft lip repair is a rotation advancement repair. The plastic surgeon will make an incision on each side of the cleft from the lip to the nostril. The two sides of the lip are then sutured together, using tissue from the area to rearrange and close the lip as needed.

How early can cleft lip be detected?

Cleft lip may be detected with ultrasound beginning around the 13th week of pregnancy. As the fetus continues developing, it may be easier to accurately diagnose a cleft lip. Cleft palate that occurs alone is more difficult to see using ultrasound.

Is there a cure for cleft lip and palate?

The treatment for your child’s cleft palate or lip will depend on the severity of the condition. Treatment often involves several surgeries to close the opening and reconstruct the face. A team of specialists may work with you and your child.

How can you prevent cleft lip and palate?

Cleft lip and palate cannot be prevented. There is some evidence that avoiding alcohol and tobacco may reduce the risk of these birth defects. Taking folic acid may also reduce the risk, but the evidence is unclear.

Can a cleft lip be corrected?

Having a baby born with a cleft can be upsetting, but cleft lip and cleft palate can be corrected . In most babies, a series of surgeries can restore normal function and achieve a more normal appearance with minimal scarring. Usually, a split (cleft) in the lip or palate is immediately identifiable at birth.