Cleft lip and palate are the most prevalent developmental anomalies of the lip and mouth, occurring in about one in 900 newborns. Though emotionally very traumatic to the parents, with proper and timely intervention by a well-trained plastic surgeon like Dr. Arun Jeedi of Recon Plastic Surgery Centre, Hubli, these deformities can be corrected with minimal residual disabilities.
A cleft lip or palate is a birth defect. A cleft lip is a separation in the lip, either minor or total on one or both sides. A cleft lip defect can cause an obstruction in the roof of the mouth, resulting in a one-sided or both-sided cleft palate. A cleft in the palate extends down the entire length of the palate.
Causes of cleft lip or palate are not fully understood, but the risk factors include:
Cleft lip and palate can cause feeding difficulties, speech problems, and hearing loss. Dr. Arun Jeedi of Recon Plastic Surgery Centre, Hubli, performs cleft lip & palate surgery to restore the normal look and functioning of the mouth.
A cleft lip repair surgical procedure is performed when the infant is 3 to 4 months old to prevent future difficulties such as a speech impediment. When a kid is 10 to 12 months old, the cleft palate is fixed. To get the best speech result, repair should be completed before 18 months.
Book AppointmentDuring the consultation, Dr. Arun Jeedi will access the child’s medical history and perform a physical examination.He will also assess feeding difficulties, speech problems, and any other associated symptoms. X-rays may be taken to determine the severity of the cleft.
After the consultation, Dr. Arun will discuss treatment options and make recommendations for surgery.
General anesthesia is used for cleft lip & palate surgery to keep the child asleep throughout the surgery.
Cleft lip surgery: Dr. Arun will make an incision in the skin of the lip and separate the tissue. Then he will bring the tissue together and suture it in place.
Cleft palate surgery: During this procedure, Dr. Arun will make an incision in the roof of the mouth and rearrange the lining of the palate and muscles around it. Then he will close the opening with sutures.
The child may also have to go through follow-up surgeries like rhinoplasty to improve the appearance of the nose.
Recovery is an essential stage in cleft lip & palate surgery, and parents will be taught how to care for the surgical site.
After cleft lip surgery, most infants remain in the hospital for 1-2 days. Scarring is a common side effect of cleft lip surgery; nevertheless, it fades with time.
The majority of children stay in the hospital for 1-3 days following cleft palate surgery. There will be scars after cleft palate surgery, but they will be inside the mouth. The stitches will dissolve on their own or be removed by the doctor after a few days.
To reduce the chances of infection and pain, Dr. Arun will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication.
Dr. Arun will also provide food and drink recommendations as well as feeding instructions, including when to use utensils, arm restraints, and other precautions. To ensure a quick and pleasant recovery for the infant, parents must follow all of these instructions carefully.
Attend follow-up visits as scheduled and, if you have any difficulties or questions, contact Dr. Arun right away.
Cleft lip & palate surgery can improve the child’s appearance, speech, and ability to eat. In most cases, the child will have a normal appearance and be able to speak without difficulty after surgery.
Cleft lip & palate surgery can also help to improve the self-esteem of children who have these birth defects. The surgery can give them a sense of normality and allow them to interact more easily with others.
The cost of cleft lip & palate surgery will be determined by Dr. Arun Jeedi during the patient’s OPD consultation after he evaluates the patient’s unique circumstances, understands the patient’s goals and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment.
Book AppointmentSpecific risks associated with cleft lip & palate surgery will be discussed during the consultation. In general, risks are rare but can include scarring and damage to nerves or other structures. Board-certified surgeon Dr. Arun Jeedi has many years of experience with cleft lip & palate surgery and will take every precaution to minimize the risks.
If you have any queries about cleft lip & palate surgery or any other procedure, we invite you for a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Arun Jeedi at Recon Plastic Surgery Centre, where he will thoroughly answer all of your questions.
Book AppointmentDr. Arun Jeedi is a young and dynamic plastic surgeon with extensive practical experience and expertise in the ever-evolving field of plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery. Whether you are looking to improve your appearance for a special occasion or you need reconstructive surgery after an accident or illness, Dr. Jeedi can help you achieve your goals. He believes that everyone deserves to look and feel their best, and he will work closely with you to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.