Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that happen when the two sides of the face don’t join properly. This leaves a split in the lip, the roof of the mouth, or both.
Cleft lip and palate surgery repairs that split and treats related symptoms. Depending on how severe the case is, care usually involves a team of professionals working together. This team may include a dentist, a pediatrician, a speech pathologist, and an oral surgeon.
Our oral surgeons serve families across El Paso and the Paso del Norte borderland. They have years of training in the delicate balance between the facial bones and structures. They are a key part of your child’s cleft care team. Our surgeons restore both function and appearance for patients of all ages, including children.
We offer anesthesia options to help your child feel comfortable, if needed. Our office is also equipped with high-tech 3D scanning technology.
How Is Cleft Lip and Palate Treated with Surgery?
Surgery is the long-term treatment that allows a child with a cleft to eat and speak normally and helps prevent other problems. Special bottles and other tools can help children eat and function in the meantime, but surgery will eventually be necessary.
Every case is different. Some children have only a cleft lip, some have only a cleft palate, and others have both. The extent and number of surgeries depend on the severity of your child’s condition.
Cleft lip repair: Most children need one or two surgeries to fully repair a cleft lip. The first surgery takes place before your baby is 3 months old. The goal is to join the split in the lip and restore the function and appearance of the lip and nose.
Cleft palate repair: Cleft palate treatment is usually more involved. Many children need two or more surgeries during childhood and adolescence. The first surgery usually takes place between 6 and 12 months of age.
Around age 8, another surgery may be needed to add bone to the upper jaw and gum line. This helps support the permanent adult teeth and can improve speech. More surgeries or orthodontic work may be needed later in life, depending on the extent of the condition.
What Do Our Cleft Lip & Palate Patients Say?
Our patients share their firsthand experiences with cleft lip and palate treatment at our office.
When Should My Baby Have Cleft Lip Surgery?
The first cleft lip surgery usually takes place before your baby is 3 months old. Most children need one or two surgeries to fully repair a cleft lip. The goal is to join the split in the lip and restore both the function and the appearance of the lip and nose.
How Many Surgeries Does Cleft Palate Treatment Take?
Cleft palate treatment is often more involved than cleft lip repair. Many children need two or more surgeries during childhood and adolescence. The first surgery usually happens between 6 and 12 months of age. Some children may need more surgeries or orthodontic work later in life, depending on the extent of their condition.
Why Might My Child Need Surgery Around Age 8?
Around age 8, some children with a cleft palate need surgery to add bone to the upper jaw and gum line. This bone grafting helps support the permanent adult teeth as they come in. It can also improve speech function. Whether your child needs this step depends on the severity of their condition.
Who Is on My Child's Cleft Care Team?
Cleft lip and palate care usually involves a team of professionals working together. This team may include a dentist, a pediatrician, a speech pathologist, and an oral surgeon. Our oral surgeons repair the cleft and restore function and appearance. We also offer anesthesia options to help your child feel comfortable, if needed.