Albany Cleft Palate
Cleft Palate Surgery Overview
In the early weeks of development, long before a child is born, the right and left sides of the lip and the roof of the mouth normally grow together. Occasionally, however, in about one of every 800 babies, those sections don't quite meet.
A child born with a separation in the upper lip is said to have a cleft lip. A similar birth defect in the roof of the mouth, or palate, is called a cleft palate. Since the lip and palate develop separately, it is possible for a child to have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or variations of both. If your child was born with either or both of these conditions, your doctor will probably recommend surgery to repair it. Medical professionals have made great advances in treating children with clefts and can do a lot to help your child lead a normal, healthy, happy life.
The surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Group are experienced in corrective surgery. Contact the surgeons today with your questions.
Cleft Palate Surgery
In some children, a cleft palate may involve only a tiny portion at the back of the roof of the mouth; for others, it can mean a complete separation that extends from front to back. Just as in cleft lip, cleft palate can appear on one or both sides of the upper mouth. However, repairing a cleft palate requires more extensive surgery and is usually done when the child is nine to 18 months old, so the baby is bigger and better able to tolerate surgery.
To repair a cleft palate, the surgeon will make an incision on both sides of the separation, moving tissue from each side of the cleft to the center or midline of the roof of the mouth. This rebuilds the palate, joining muscle together and providing additional length in the palate so the child can eat and learn to speak properly.
Recovering From Cleft Palate Surgery
Elbow restraints may be used to prevent your baby from rubbing the repaired area. Your doctor will advise you on how to feed your child during the first few weeks after surgery. It's crucial that you follow your doctor's advice on feeding to allow the palate to heal properly.
The Repaired Palate
Children with a cleft palate are particularly prone to ear infections because the cleft can interfere with the function of the middle ear. To permit proper drainage and air circulation, the ear-nose-and-throat surgeon on the Cleft Palate Team may recommend that a small plastic ventilation tube be inserted in the eardrum. This relatively minor operation may be done later or at the time of the cleft repair. In addition, surgery may be recommended by your plastic surgeon when your child is older to refine the shape and function of the lip, nose, gums, and palate.
You'll want to discuss further needs with the member of the Cleft Team seeing your child. Perhaps most important, keep in mind that surgery to repair a cleft lip or palate is only the beginning of the process. Family support is critical for your child. Love and understanding will help him or her to grow up with a sense of self-esteem that extends beyond the physical defect.
To find out more about corrective surgery for cleft palates in Schenectady and Albany, New York, contact The Plastic Surgery Group at 518-438-0505 or send us an email today. Fill our our online form for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.
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