Understanding Cleft Lip and Palate
An orofacial cleft is a birth defect where a baby is born with an opening in the lip and/or the roof of the mouth (palate). Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth defects, but fortunately, they are treatable. Most children can undergo successful surgical repair within their first year or two of life.
How Clefts Develop
During the critical 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy, the bones and tissues that form a baby's upper jaw, nose, and mouth should fuse together. A cleft occurs when this fusion process is incomplete.
- A cleft lip can range from a small notch on the lip's edge to a more extensive opening extending into the nose and gums.
- A cleft palate can vary in size, affecting only the soft palate (near the throat) or creating a hole in the hard palate towards the front of the mouth.
Clefts are categorized as:
- Cleft lip alone (more common in boys)
- Cleft palate alone (more common in girls)
- Combined cleft lip and palate (more common in boys)
Cleft lips are usually visible at birth or detected through prenatal ultrasound, while cleft palates require a careful examination of the baby's mouth. Clefts can be unilateral (one side) or bilateral (both sides).
Grandville Medical and Laser's Commitment to Cleft Care
At Grandville Medical and Laser, we understand the challenges families face when a child is born with a cleft. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care.
Free Cleft Surgical Treatment
Grandville Medical and Laser Center is proud to offer cleft surgical treatment free of charge to patients. We partner with Smile Train to extend this vital service as part of our commitment to community welfare.
Our Surgical Approach
- Cleft Lip Repair: Typically performed under general anesthesia when the child is 3 to 6 months old. We may utilize techniques like lip adhesion or molding plates for wider clefts. The procedure leaves a minimal scar.
- Cleft Palate Repair: Usually conducted at 9-12 months, involving the connection of soft palate muscles and tissue rearrangement. This surgery also requires general anesthesia and a short hospital stay.
- Ongoing Care: As children grow, additional procedures like pharyngoplasty (for speech improvement) or alveolar bone grafts (for dental stability) may be necessary. Teenagers can also explore options to minimize scarring, improve nasal and lip appearance, or correct bite issues through orthognathic surgery.
How to Schedule an Appointment at Grandville Medical and Laser
To schedule a consultation or learn more about our cleft lip and palate treatment services, please:
- Send an email to: [email protected]
- Visit our website: www.gml.com.ng
- Visit us in person at: Plot 106, Zone 2 Eleganza Gardens Estate, Lekki- Epe expressway Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria,
76 Femi Ayantuga Street, Off Adelabu, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria,
5b Lephalala Close, Off Ganges Street, Off Alvan Ikoku, Maitama district, Abuja, Nigeria.
Our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process of providing your child with the best possible care. At Grandville Medical and Laser, we are committed to helping your child achieve a healthy and confident smile.
