Clef Lip and Cleft Palate Surgery

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Care To Find Their Smile

From the first moment you realize your life is going to change to the first time you hear that precious heartbeat, you imagine every inch of your new baby. We know a diagnosis of cleft lip or cleft palate can be surprising and overwhelming. While cleft lip and palate are some of the most common birth defects that affect a baby’s face, that doesn’t make the diagnosis any easier for parents to hear.

At AdventHealth for Children, our compassionate and experienced team of experts is here for you. While we have successfully cared for thousands of children with cleft lip-and palate-related conditions, we know each patient and family is unique. We’re here to answer your questions, discuss your child’s treatment options and create a plan that’s best for your baby.

With unmatched skills and expertise across Central Florida, our craniofacial specialists are backed by a network of more than 250 pediatric providers collaborating with your family to care for your child.

Our pediatric plastic surgeons are ready to help your child smile again. To get started, request an appointment and our Nurse Care Coordinator will contact you.

Video Series: Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip

Dr. Raj Sawh-Martinez, Medical Director for Pediatric Plastic Surgery at AdventHealth for Children, discusses cleft lip and cleft palate conditions, how they differ from each other and the best treatment options to help babies thrive.

Understanding Cleft Lip

One of the most common craniofacial conditions, a cleft lip is the separation of the two sides of the upper lip area. It can occur when the tissue that makes up a baby’s lip does not completely join before birth, and as a result, there is as an opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip. Having your baby born with a cleft lip can be frightening to any parent. However, it is important to know that a cleft lip can be corrected. Surgery can help restore function and a more normal appearance, and most children go on to lead full, healthy lives after treatment.

Causes

The underlying cause of cleft lift is still widely unknown. It is important that you, as the parent, don’t feel like you are to blame for the anomaly. While it is suggested these conditions could be genetic, it is still very much a mystery. There is a greater chance of having a child with a cleft lip if a parent or sibling has one. Most children affected with cleft lips develop their facial difference without a known or direct link to exposures during or after pregnancy. A few exceptions that are associated with the development of cleft lip include:

  • Smoking while pregnant leads to a twofold increase in the risk of developing a cleft lip.
  • Taking Phenytoin (Dilantin) during pregnancy makes cleft lip 10 times more likely to occur.
  • Using alcohol, anti-seizure medicines or Vitamin A (retinoic acid) is linked with birth defects, including cleft lip.
Diagnosis Treatment

Questions to Your Answers About Cleft Lip

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Your Child's Cleft Lip and Palate Care Team

We believe in providing whole-person care to achieve the best outcomes. As a result, your child will be cared for by a multidisciplinary team of expert providers who have the highest level of certification and training in their respective fields. This team may include any of the following providers depending on your child's unique care needs.
  • Audiologists
  • Anesthesiologists
  • Complex care pediatricians
  • Dentists
  • Ear, nose and throat (ENT) physicians
  • Genetic specialists
  • Nurse care coordinator
  • Oral surgeons
  • Orthodontists
  • Plastic and reconstructive surgeons
  • Physician assistants
  • Registered dieticians
  • Speech, language and feeding therapists
  • Social workers

Understanding Cleft Palate

A cleft palate involves a separation or opening in the roof of a baby’s mouth that can occur early in a pregnancy. One of the most common birth defects, it happens when the baby’s developing facial tissues don’t fully join together. While a diagnosis of cleft palate can feel scary and overwhelming, it is a treatable condition. Surgery to repair the cleft can improve both function and appearance, allowing most children to lead normal lives.

Causes

A cleft palate is a facial and oral malformation that happens very early in pregnancy while your baby is still developing. Although the exact underlying causes are still widely unknown, approximately 20-50% of babies born with cleft palates may have a syndromic association. There are hundreds of named syndromes that may be associated with cleft palate.

Diagnosis Treatment

Answers to Your Questions About Cleft Palate

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Why Choose Us

At AdventHealth for Children, our team of plastic and reconstructive surgeons care for your child’s and family’s body, mind and spirit with comprehensive, compassionate care.

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Patient Testimonial

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Dr. Sawh Martinez and his team truly are amazing and I would recommend them to anyone who asks. The team took such great care of our son and results are immaculate. Most people have no idea he was born with a cleft lip. - Mom, Arielle

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Author title Henry

Extraordinary Outcomes for Our Extraordinary Patients

We know that having your child go through surgery is the last thing a parent wants. But our incredible team of surgeons and specialists provides expert care so your child can have the most amazing outcomes after their surgery. In many cases, children have minimal to no scarring, and all that can be seen is their beautiful expressions.

Expert and Compassionate Care

Our team is here to help heal your child’s body, mind and spirit. We’ll work with specialists across medical fields to ensure your little one gets the care, attention and therapy they deserve to live well, be happy and thrive.

Experienced Care for Your Child

Get access to proven approaches for correcting cleft lip and cleft palate in your baby. Find a plastic surgeon near you and learn more about our surgical outcomes.

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