Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that occur when the tissues forming the lip or the roof of the mouth do not fuse completely during early fetal development, resulting in a gap or opening that can affect the lip, the palate, or both. They are among the most common congenital facial malformations and can range from a small notch in the lip to a complete separation extending into the nose and palate. Beyond the visible facial difference, affected infants often face challenges with feeding, speech development, dental alignment, and recurrent ear infections, making coordinated, multidisciplinary care important from early infancy.

The most common symptoms include: A visible gap or split in the upper lip; an opening in the roof of the mouth connecting the mouth and nasal cavity; difficulty feeding or nursing due to inability to form suction; nasal regurgitation of milk. Early recognition is key to prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

No, Cleft Lip and Palate is not contagious. It cannot spread through casual contact. However, certain risk factors and genetic predispositions may increase susceptibility.

Treatment options include: Treatment involves staged surgical repair; typically beginning with lip repair in early infancy followed by palate repair; performed by a specialized craniofacial surgical team. Ongoing multidisciplinary care including speech therapy. Treatment should always be guided by a qualified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery specialist. Do not self-medicate.

While Cleft Lip and Palate cannot always be fully prevented, several measures can reduce risk: Taking folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy; avoiding smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy; managing maternal diabetes before conception.

Consult a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery specialist if symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen despite home care, or significantly affect your daily activities. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.