The condition known as cleft lip and palate is an anomaly that occurs at birth at an average rate of one in a thousand and occurs due to developmental disorders that can be seen in the 8th-12th weeks during the development of the baby in the womb.
Families do not need to worry about this issue. Regardless of the level of deformity, the baby should be evaluated by an orthodontist and an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon immediately after birth and various intraoral appliances should be made to ensure the regular development of nutrition and anatomical structures according to the type of deformity. Surgeries should also be planned in the period after birth. The decision is usually made after 2-3 months according to the baby’s weight and hemoglobin values. As in lip surgery, the age of the palate surgery is evaluated between 6 months or 12-18 months for the age of operation.
There is no alternative to cleft lip and palate surgery. These surgeries provide functional and aesthetic improvement for the child. Surgeries should be performed at the ages recommended by your doctor.
