|
In the early
stages of a fetus’s development, the right and left sides of the upper
lip normally grow together. However, in about 1 of every 800 babies, a
child is born with a separation in the upper lip, otherwise known as a
cleft lip. The severity of a cleft lip can range from a slight notch
in the upper lip to a complete separation of the lip extending to the
nose. A doctor will most likely recommend plastic surgery to repair
such separations shortly after birth in order to alleviate any
possible problems with feeding, hearing, speech and psychological
development. A plastic surgeon may work alone on repairing the child’s
cleft lip or may choose to work in conjunction with other medical
professionals such as a dentist, social worker, or hearing specialist.
Surgery is usually done when the child is about ten weeks old. To
repair a cleft lip, a surgeon will make an incision on either side of
the cleft from the mouth into the nostril. He or she will then turn
the outer portion of the cleft down and pull the muscle and the skin
of the lip together to close the separation. Your child may be
uncomfortable for a while after the surgery, but the surgeon can
prescribe medication to relieve any pain. If your child has stitches,
they will either dissolve or be removed within five days. The scars
incurred from surgery will gradually fade, but they will never totally
disappear. It is important to discuss the procedure with your plastic
surgeon as well as any possible risks involved. Most health insurance
policies will cover most or all of the cost of the cleft lip surgery,
but be sure to check your specific policy. For more information on
cleft lip surgery, talk to Dr. Rick Smith at Michigan Plastic Surgery.
Click here to go back to the top of this page
|
|
|
CLEFT PALATE
|
|
In the early weeks of a fetus’s
development, the right and left sides of the roof of the mouth
normally grow together. Occasionally, however, in about 1 of every 800
babies, those sections don’t quite meet. This separation in the roof
of the mouth, or palate, is known as a cleft palate. In some children,
a cleft palate may involve only a small portion at the back of the
roof of the mouth. For other children, the cleft palate can be a
complete separation that extends from the front to the back of the
roof of the mouth. If your child is born with this condition, your
doctor will probably recommend plastic surgery in order to repair it
and avoid any future problems in feeding, hearing, speech, and
psychological development. A plastic surgeon may work alone on
repairing a child’s cleft palate or may choose to work in conjunction
with other medical professionals such as a dentist, social worker, and
hearing specialist in order to form a team approach. Repairing a cleft
palate can require extensive surgery and is usually done when the
child is nine to eighteen months old. The plastic surgeon will make an
incision on both sides of the separation, moving tissue from each side
of the cleft to the center of the roof of the mouth. This rebuilds the
palate, allowing the child to eat and learn to speak properly. After
the surgery, your child will probably feel some soreness and pain
which can be controlled by prescribed medicine. An intravenous line
may also be used for a few days to maintain fluid levels. A doctor can
best advise you on how to feed your child during these recovery weeks.
Most health insurance policies will cover the majority of the cost of
the cleft palate surgery, but be sure to check your policy to be sure.
For more information, talk to Dr. Rick Smith at Michigan Plastic
Surgery.
Click here to go back to the top of this page |
|
|
Return to the main FAQ Index
|
|
