MEET WITH AN EXPERT PLASTIC SURGEON | charleston, SC
Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery
Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common congenital facial differences in children. These conditions occur when the upper lip or roof of the mouth doesn’t fully form during early development, leaving a visible gap that can affect speech, feeding, and appearance. Fortunately, surgical treatment offers effective, lasting results—often beginning in infancy and continuing into childhood.
At East Cooper Plastic Surgery, Dr. Richard Kline is a fellowship-trained craniofacial surgeon who provides surgical care for cleft lip and cleft palate. With extensive experience in reconstructive procedures and a patient-centered approach, Dr. Kline works closely with families to plan and perform cleft repairs that support both function and aesthetics.
We welcome consultations both during pregnancy and after birth for children diagnosed with a cleft lip or palate. Meeting early gives families a chance to understand their options, ask questions, and begin planning a care path that supports long-term function and appearance. Our team is here to support your family with expert care and clear guidance through every step of the process.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CLEFT LIP SURGERY RECONSTRUCTION
Understanding Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are conditions in which the tissues of the lip or roof of the mouth (palate) do not fully come together during pregnancy. A child may be born with a cleft affecting just the lip, just the palate, or both. These conditions can range from mild (a small notch in the lip) to more complex forms that extend into the nose and affect both sides of the mouth.
These differences can cause a range of challenges for children, including:
- Difficulty feeding, especially as infants
- Delayed or impaired speech development
- Increased risk of ear infections and hearing loss
- Dental and orthodontic issues
- Social and emotional impact
At East Cooper Plastic Surgery, our role is to provide skilled surgical correction at the right stages of development. Cleft lip repair is typically performed within the first few months of life, while cleft palate repair often occurs between 9 and 18 months of age. Additional procedures may be recommended as your child grows to support speech, dental development, nasal symmetry, or appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during cleft lip or palate surgery?
Cleft lip and palate reconstruction is performed by Dr. Richard Kline at a hospital. Before surgery begins, an anesthesiologist will gently put your child to sleep to ensure they stay safe and comfortable throughout the procedure. Once asleep, Dr. Kline will carefully repair the lip, palate, and surrounding structures to restore function and a more natural appearance.
If you’d like to learn more about what to expect, we’re happy to walk you through the details during your consultation.
What is recovery from these surgeries like?
Before and after your child’s surgery, you’ll receive easy-to-follow instructions for care at home, including tips on diet and comfort. Most children recover fully within four to six weeks. During that time, we may recommend temporary diet changes and over-the-counter pain relief to help manage any discomfort.
How much does cleft lip surgery cost?
The cost of these procedures varies depending on the extent of treatment and other factors, but fortunately, cleft lip and palate repair are considered medically necessary procedures and are typically covered by insurance. Additionally, our office offers flexible financing options for copayments and deductibles that may apply.
How do I schedule a consultation with a cleft lip surgeon near me?
We make scheduling a consultation for cleft lip repair surgery with us easy! Simply give us a call at 843- 849-8418 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to seeing you!