Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
We understand that learning your child has a cleft lip or palate can bring many questions and concerns. These are common conditions that can affect speech, feeding, and facial development. Our expert surgical team is here to provide compassionate care needed to restore function, improve appearance, and enhance your child’s quality of life.
Schedule a Consultation
What Is a Cleft Lip and Palate?
A cleft lip and palate are conditions that occur when facial structures in a developing baby don’t close completely. We are here to help you understand them better.
- Cleft Lip: This is a physical separation in the upper lip, which can look like anything from a small notch to a complete split that goes up to the nose
- Cleft Palate: This is an opening in the roof of the mouth, also known as the palate. It can affect feeding, speech, and overall oral health
These conditions can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Our team is here to provide the support and answers your family needs.
Why Early Intervention Matters
For many children, the best results happen when surgery is performed in infancy or early childhood. Taking action early helps prevent long-term complications like speech difficulties, dental problems, and social challenges. It also promotes better facial harmony and function as your child grows. We are committed to guiding you through this journey and ensuring your child has the best possible start.
Our Approach to Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Your child’s well-being is our highest priority. We take a thorough and gentle approach to create a personalized treatment plan.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We start with an in-depth assessment to understand the cleft’s severity and its impact. Our team collaborates closely with pediatricians, orthodontists, and speech therapists to ensure complete care
- Customized Treatment Plans: Every surgery is tailored to your child’s specific needs, age, and developmental stage. Some complex cases may involve a series of procedures over time
- Leading-Edge Surgical Techniques: We use precise methods to close the cleft, restoring normal structure and function. Our approaches are designed to minimize scarring, and we use advanced imaging and digital planning for optimal outcomes
- Post-Surgical Care and Rehabilitation: We provide guidance on recovery, nutrition, and speech development. Your family will have our long-term support for any future refinements needed for function or appearance
Why Choose Us for Cleft Lip and Palate Repair?
At Southwest Oral Surgery, you can trust our team to provide compassionate, specialized care for your child. We have board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with extensive experience in cleft repair. Our practice uses advanced technology and digital planning to achieve superior results.
We believe in comprehensive, multidisciplinary care and work closely with other specialists. Most importantly, our patient-centered approach ensures we create a personalized treatment plan that delivers the best outcome for your child.
Schedule a ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
We want you to feel confident and informed. Here are answers to some questions we often hear from families.
The timing of surgery depends on your child’s specific condition and overall health. Cleft lip repair is often performed when a child is between 3 and 6 months old. Cleft palate repair is typically done between 9 and 18 months of age. Our team will create a personalized timeline that supports your child’s health and development.
To best prepare for treatment, we will provide detailed instructions for feeding, care, and managing any discomfort. Special arm restraints may be needed for a short time to prevent your child from touching the surgical site. Our team will be with you every step of the way to support a smooth recovery.
Some children may need additional procedures as they grow. Future surgeries can help improve the shape of the lip and nose, close any remaining gaps in the gums, or enhance speech. We will create a long-term treatment plan and discuss each stage with you, ensuring your child receives the support and care they need to thrive.
Meet Your Care Team
Expert Surgeons, Compassionate Hearts
Our surgeons are more than just highly trained experts; they are dedicated caregivers who truly want the best for you.
