Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth conditions in which the upper lip or the roof of the mouth does not close completely. They are treated with surgery: cleft lip repair is usually done at around 3 to 6 months of age, and cleft palate repair within the first 18 months or so, as decided by the surgical team.

Newface in Chengannur, Kerala offers cleft lip and palate care, with surgery led by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Mathew PC.

Read more about Cleft Lip Surgery

What Is Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate?

A cleft lip is a gap in the upper lip, and a cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. They happen when the tissues of the face do not fuse completely during development in the womb. A baby can have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both.

Clefts can affect feeding, speech, hearing, dental development and appearance, so treatment usually involves a team of specialists over several years. Without timely treatment, children can face feeding difficulty, speech problems and social difficulties. Families with limited means often find it hard to reach treatment, which is why early referral matters.

Cleft Lip Surgery: Age, Procedure and Recovery

The goal of cleft lip surgery is to close the gap in the upper lip so that the lip looks natural and works properly. It is usually done when the baby is around 3 to 6 months old.

The most common technique is rotation advancement repair. The surgeon makes planned incisions on either side of the cleft and rearranges the tissue of the lip and the area around the nostril to close the gap and reshape the lip. The technique used depends on the type of cleft.

After Cleft Lip Surgery

Swelling, discomfort and fussiness are common after surgery, and pain medicine is given as prescribed by the surgeon. Most children settle back into their usual routine in about 7 to 10 days. Your surgical team will explain feeding, wound care and follow-up visits. A scar usually remains and fades with time.

Possible Risks

Risks of cleft lip repair include bleeding, infection, scarring, the wound opening and the need for revision surgery. Your surgeon will explain these before surgery.

Cleft Palate Surgery A cleft palate is a congenital condition in which there is an opening or split in the roof of the mouth because the tissue did not fuse during development in the womb. It can affect a child's ability to feed, speak and hear, and can lead to ear infections. Cleft palate surgery closes the opening and rebuilds the roof of the mouth so that feeding and speech can develop more normally. The timing is decided by the surgical team and is usually within the first 18 months of life.

Why Choose Kerala for Cleft Palate Surgery

Kerala has emerged as a leading destination for cleft palate surgery due to several compelling reasons:

1. Expert Medical Professionals: Kerala boasts a pool of highly qualified and experienced surgeons who specialize in cleft and craniofacial surgeries. Many have trained internationally and are members of esteemed medical associations.

2. Advanced Medical Facilities: Hospitals and clinics in Kerala are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring high standards of care and precision in surgical procedures.

3. Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Approach: Treatment centers in Kerala often employ a team approach, involving plastic surgeons, pediatricians, speech therapists, orthodontists, and psychologists to provide holistic care.

4. Affordable Care: Compared to many other regions, the cost of cleft palate surgery in Kerala is more affordable without compromising on the quality of care.

5. Patient-Centered Care: The medical community in Kerala is known for its compassionate approach, focusing on the individual needs of each patient and their family.

The Cleft Palate Surgery Process in Kerala

1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation

   • Comprehensive Assessment: The medical team conducts a thorough evaluation of the child's condition, including medical history and physical examinations.
   • Diagnostic Tests: Imaging studies and other diagnostic tools may be used to plan the surgery effectively.
   • Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, a personalized surgical plan is developed to address the specific needs of the patient.

2. Pre-Surgical Preparation

   • Nutritional Guidance: Ensuring the child is in optimal health for surgery, with advice on feeding techniques and nutrition.
   • Parental Counseling: Educating parents about the procedure, recovery process, and how to support their child emotionally and physically.

3. Surgical Procedure

   • Anesthesia Administration: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia to ensure the child is comfortable and pain-free.
   • Repair Technique: The surgeon carefully closes the cleft in the palate using specialized techniques to reconstruct the roof of the mouth.
   • Attention to Functionality: Emphasis is placed on restoring normal functions such as speech and swallowing, as well as minimizing scarring.

4. Post-Operative Care

   • Monitoring: After surgery, the child is closely monitored in a recovery area to ensure a smooth transition from anesthesia.
   • Pain Management: Medications are provided to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
   • Feeding Instructions: Guidance on feeding practices post-surgery to promote healing.

5. Follow-Up and Rehabilitation

   • Regular Check-Ups: Scheduled visits to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
   • Speech Therapy: Early intervention with speech therapists to aid in the development of normal speech patterns.
   • Orthodontic Care: Assessment and treatment of any dental or orthodontic issues as the child grows.

Benefits of Early Cleft Palate Repair

• Improved Speech Development: Early repair facilitates better speech outcomes, reducing the likelihood of speech impairments.
• Enhanced Feeding Ability: Correcting the palate allows for normal feeding, which is essential for proper growth and nutrition.
• Psychosocial Benefits: Early correction can improve self-esteem and social interactions as the child develops.
• Prevention of Hearing Issues: Addressing the cleft can reduce the risk of ear infections and associated hearing loss.

What to Look for in a Cleft Care Team

• Cleft treatment is planned by a multidisciplinary team. A cleft care team usually includes:
• - Oral and maxillofacial or plastic surgeons
• - Paediatricians
• - ENT specialists
• - Anaesthetists
• - Speech therapists
• - Orthodontists
• - Counselling support for the family
  

  When choosing a centre for cleft surgery, it helps to ask:

• - Does the team treat cleft patients regularly?
• - Is care coordinated from surgery through speech therapy and orthodontic follow-up?
• - Are the risks, costs and follow-up plan explained clearly?
• - Is there support for the family?

 Cleft Lip and Palate Care at Newface

Newface in Chengannur offers surgical care for cleft lip and palate for children and adults, working with a team of specialists that includes surgeons, ENT specialists, orthodontists, anaesthetists, speech therapists and paediatricians. The team has performed more than 5,000 cleft surgeries.

Newface also runs a mission to make cleft surgery accessible to families who cannot afford it. Contact us to know about the support available.

About Dr. Mathew PC

1. https://youtube.com/shorts/B8VA7sxzc7s?feature=share

Dr. Mathew PC is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with over 16 years of experience in facial surgery, including cleft lip and palate surgery. He has been invited to perform surgeries, lecture and train in places including the USA and Africa, and has travelled to rural areas to offer cleft surgeries.

 

Watch a video on cleft lip surgery:

1. https://www.youtube.com/embed/nVKHvegrcLg

Videos on Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age is cleft lip surgery done?

Cleft lip repair is usually done at around 3 to 6 months of age.

When is cleft palate surgery done?

Usually within the first 18 months of life, as decided by the surgical team.

Will there be a scar after cleft lip surgery?

A scar usually remains, but it fades with time. The surgeon plans the incisions to make it as inconspicuous as possible.

How long is the recovery after cleft lip surgery?

Most children settle back into their routine in about 7 to 10 days. Follow-up visits continue as the child grows.

Is more than one surgery needed?

Often yes. A child with a cleft may need further procedures such as revision surgery, nasal surgery or orthodontic treatment as they grow.

Can a cleft affect speech and hearing?

Yes. Cleft palate can affect speech and lead to ear infections, which is why speech therapy and ENT follow-up are part of care.

Our Mission

Our mission goes beyond surgery. We want every child with a cleft to receive timely treatment, regardless of financial circumstances, and we work to raise awareness so that families know that clefts can be treated.

Rhinoplasty in Cleft Care

Cleft lip and palate can affect the shape of the nose and, in some people, nasal breathing. Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery) may be considered, often when the patient is older, to improve the shape of the nose and its function. Whether it is needed, and when, depends on the individual and is decided with the surgical team.

Read more in our rhinoplasty blog.

 Contact Us

book a consultation or ask about cleft lip and palate care at Newface:

Dr. Mathew PC

Phone: +91 8330077198

Email: newfacemalakkara@gmail.com

Address: 8J4F+X7X, Hatchery Junction, Chengannur, Kerala 689122