Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions which are characterized by deformities of the upper lip and the roof of the child's mouth. These conditions may occur simultaneously or individually. A cleft lip is characterized by a cleft between the lateral and medium lip segments causing distortion of the nose, lips and upper jaw. The oral and nasal cavities are not separated when the cleft palate occurs and the condition can be unilateral or bilateral. Children with this ailment need to undergo timely treatment at infancy to prevent further complications. Treatment involves surgery to reconstructing the lip to look normal.

What Leads to Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate?

The actual reasons why cleft lip or cleft palate occurs is still a mystery. Possible causes for the condition have been identified as defective genes, viral illness, vitamin deficiency, or alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Proper and timely reconstructive plastic surgery is necessary to avoid the following issues:

• Speech abnormality
• Impaired hearing
• Dental and orthodontic issues
• Psychological trauma
• Feeding issues
• Social isolation
• Reduced self-esteem

Cleft Repair with Nasal Alveolar Molding (NAM)

Effective cleft repair is possible with nasal alveolar molding (NAM). This cleft lip surgery also involves dental correction and speech rehabilitation. This procedure involves realignment of the upper jaw's cleft segments. Repair of the cleft and correction of nose deformities is accomplished by bringing about close proximity between the cleft lip edges. The procedure involves a number of steps:

• Maxillary impressions are used to create an upper jaw mold
• The mold is used to create an acrylic plate
• The plate constructed is fitted to child's mouth
• The growing bones are correctly aligned via weekly adjustments
• Lip alignment is improved and nasal correction is done
• A stent is placed from the fitted plate which extends to nostril
• The nasal tip is elevated
• The lining of nose is stretched

 In cases where the cleft involves the gum line, bone grafting and orthodontic care may be necessary at a later stage. The time required for the treatment varies with the severity of the condition.

Experienced Plastic Surgeon for the Best Results

Surgery by a expert plastic surgeon in an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery center would offer significant benefits

• Use of advanced technology and standardized procedures
• More accurate cleft lip repair
• More natural looking nose with effective nasal deformity correction
• Correct repositioning of the alveolar ridges
• Restoration of the normal anatomic alignment of the organs involved
• Patient safety

 

When the surgery is performed by a surgeon with expertise in the treatment of cleft lip and palate, scarring, discomfort and surgical trauma are minimal.