Cleft Lip

What Is Cleft Lip & Types Of Cleft Lip

A cleft lip is a congenital condition where there is a gap or split in the upper lip, which can range from a small notch to a complete separation that extends to the nose. It occurs when facial tissues fail to fuse properly during fetal development. There are three main types of cleft lip:

1. Unilateral Cleft Lip: A single-sided gap affecting either the left or right side of the upper lip.
2. Bilateral Cleft Lip: A gap on both sides of the upper lip.
3. Incomplete or Complete Cleft Lip: An incomplete cleft does not extend into the nostril, while a complete cleft affects the entire lip and may involve the nose.

Care Plan For Children with Cleft Lip

Caring for children with cleft lips requires a holistic and individualized approach. Parents and caregivers should ensure proper feeding techniques, as infants may have difficulty latching or sucking. Specialized feeding bottles or devices can help in providing adequate nutrition. Emotional support and regular consultations with healthcare professionals, such as surgeons, orthodontists, and speech therapists, are essential. Post-surgery care includes ensuring wound hygiene, managing pain, and following a prescribed diet. Long-term care may involve speech therapy, dental alignment treatments, and psychological counseling to help children thrive socially and emotionally.

Diagnosis & Evaluations Before Cleft Lip Surgery

The diagnosis of a cleft lip is often made during pregnancy through routine ultrasounds or after birth through physical examination. Before surgery, a thorough evaluation is performed, which includes medical imaging like X-rays or CT scans to assess the extent of the cleft. The medical team may also conduct blood tests and ensure the child’s overall health to determine their fitness for anesthesia and surgery. A multidisciplinary team, including surgeons, pediatricians, and speech therapists, collaborates to develop a tailored treatment plan for the child.

Cleft Lip Surgery

Cleft lip surgery, also known as cheiloplasty, is the primary treatment to repair the lip’s gap. The procedure is usually performed when the child is between 3 to 6 months old, depending on their health and the severity of the cleft. The surgery involves repositioning and stitching the tissues of the lip to close the gap and reconstruct the lip’s natural shape and function. General anesthesia is administered to ensure the child’s comfort during the procedure. The surgery typically lasts a few hours, and most children can go home the same day or within a short hospital stay.

Types Of Cleft Lip Surgery

1. Primary Cleft Lip Repair: Performed in infancy to close the gap and restore normal lip function and appearance.
2. Revision Surgery: Conducted later to improve the appearance of scars or address minor functional issues.
3. Alveolar Bone Grafting: Done for children with clefts that extend into the gums to provide support for teeth and the upper jaw.
4. Nasal Repair: Often combined with cleft lip surgery to enhance the symmetry and functionality of the nose.
5. Palatal Repair (if necessary): Addresses clefts in the palate that can affect speech and eating.

Benefits Of Cleft Lip Surgery

Cleft lip surgery offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve a child’s quality of life. It restores normal lip function, allowing children to eat, speak, and breathe without difficulty. The surgery dramatically enhances facial appearance, which boosts self-esteem and reduces the stigma often associated with visible deformities. By addressing structural issues, it lays the foundation for proper dental and speech development. Additionally, it reduces the risk of ear infections and other complications that may arise from untreated clefts. For families, cleft lip surgery represents a transformative step toward helping their child lead a healthy, fulfilling life.