What is a Cleft Lip and/or Palate?
A cleft lip and/or cleft palate are medical conditions in which the lip or the roof of the mouth do not develop completely during a child's time in the womb, resulting in an opening in the lip or roof of the mouth that leads to the nasal cavity. According to research performed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in every 1,600 babies born in the United States are born with both a cleft lip and cleft palate. This common condition can often be repaired with plastic surgery. With the proper treatment, most patients born with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate are able to live out a normal and healthy life.
How Much Does Treatment for a Cleft Lip and/or Palate Cost?
The cost of your cleft lip and/or cleft palate reconstruction surgery is going to vary depending on the extent of treatment needed to achieve your desired results. To get a better idea of how much your cleft lip and cleft palate repair surgery will cost, we encourage you to come in for a private consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. We are also happy to offer financing options through CareCredit® for your convenience.
What Can Be Expected During Cleft Lip and/or Palate Reconstruction?
Your child's cleft lip and/or cleft palate reconstruction will be performed by Dr. Richard Kline in an operating room at a hospital. Before your surgery begins, an anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia to ensure your child remains as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure. Once asleep, our doctors will carefully close the gaps in the lips, mouth, and nasal passages, reconstruct the damaged areas and restore a natural appearance to the face. To get a better idea of what you can expect during your child's reconstruction surgery, we encourage you to come in for a private consultation with our medical team.
What Can Be Expected During Cleft Lip and/or Palate Reconstruction Recovery?
Dr. Kline will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions for your child's cleft lip and cleft palate reconstruction prior to their surgery. It's important to follow these instructions as closely as possible to ensure your child has a swift and easy recovery. While recovering from this procedure, Dr. Kline may recommend temporary diet restrictions and over-the-counter pain medications to manage your child's discomfort. Most patients are able to make a full recovery within about four to six weeks.
Is Cleft Lip and/or Palate Surgery Right for My Family?
If your child is born with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate, reconstruction surgery may be right for them. The best way to find out if cleft palate and cleft lip reconstruction is right for your child is to schedule your private consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons. They'll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, evaluate your child's current features, and develop a fully personalized treatment plan to help them get a healthy mouth with a natural appearance.
