Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleveland oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Faisal Quereshy recommends surgical treatment for patients who experience the common congential deformities known as cleft lip and cleft palate, as these conditions can create psychological trauma as well as breathing and ear problems.
How does cleft lip or cleft palate occur?
Cleft lip occurs when the upper lip fails to form completely; cleft palate occurs when the roof of the mouth fails to fully develop before birth. Most cleft lip and palate abnormalilites can be fully corrected through surgery to restore function and appearance.
Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip Surgery
General or sedation anesthesia is used during the procedure. For cleft lip repair, the space between the upper lip is closed by stitching the two sides together wherever the natural separation has occurred.
Cleft palate repair is more involved, as tissue and muscle must be repositioned using flap techniques to rebuild the roof of the mouth. With both procedures, incisions are stitched closed with removable or dissolvable stitches.
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Recovery and Results
Cleft lip repair results leave a visible scar on the upper lip, so it is important to avoid exposing the surgical site to the sun to prevent hyperpigmentation. Cleft palate repair scars are completely hidden in side the mouth.
Within 1-2 weeks, discomfort, bruising and swelling should be mostly resolved, and you will be able to start enjoying your restored nose, lip and mouth features, chewing more easily and breathing more easily.
Preparing for Cleft Lip and Palate Repair Surgery
Because cleft lip and cleft palate repair are typically performed on children, patients should be thoroughly examined by their pediatrician prior to surgery.
Dr. Quereshy will help you prepare for your cleft palate and/or cleft lip repair procedure well in advance so you feel comfortable and relaxed on the day of surgery. All prescriptions and pre- and post-operative instructions will be given to you weeks beforehand.
Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate Surgery in Cleveland, Akron, Medina
Dr. Faisal Quereshy is a facial specialist – a surgeon and educator trained in two specialties to treat patients who want or need aesthetic or functional improvements of the face. He is board certified in Facial Cosmetic Surgery, as well as Oral and Maxillofacial surgery.
Read more about Cleveland oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Faisal Quereshy.
The Visage Surgical Institute is located in Medina, Ohio and serves local patients seeking cleft lip and cleft palate repair, as well as those from the greater Cleveland and Akron metro areas. For more information about surgery for a cleft lip or cleft palate, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Quereshy, please call (330) 721-2323.
