What is Cleft Lip?

A cleft lip is a congenital opening or cleft in part of the upper lip, colloquially known as a “rabbit lip”. This condition occurs when the tissues of the lip do not fuse completely during the baby’s development in the womb. It can be unilateral or bilateral and is sometimes associated with a cleft palate. If left untreated, it can lead to feeding problems, speech problems, hearing problems, and dental problems.

Cleft lip may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors and may be associated with certain genetic syndromes. However, it is possible to solve this problem. Early surgical intervention significantly improves the quality of life of a child born with a cleft lip, both aesthetically and functionally.

Causes of Cleft Lip

The exact cause of it is not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some studies show that certain genetic mutations increase the risk of a child being born with a cleft lip. Environmental factors such as maternal smoking, drinking alcohol, or poor nutrition during pregnancy have also been linked to an increased risk of cleft lip. In some cases, it is associated with other genetic conditions or syndromes.

Cleft Lip Treatment (1)

Importance of the Surgery

The surgery is an important procedure that can help restore the normal function and appearance of a child’s face. Beyond the cosmetic aspect, it can lead to feeding difficulties, speech problems, ear infections, and dental problems.

Treating a cleft lip can greatly improve a child’s quality of life by allowing them to eat, speak and hear normally. It can also have profound psychological benefits, helping the child to develop self-confidence and self-esteem.

When is surgery performed?

The surgery is usually performed within the first few months of a baby’s life, typically between 3 and 6 months of age. Early intervention is important for several reasons.

First, it helps improve feeding and reduces the risk of complications such as ear infections. Second, early surgery can help normalize speech development and prevent social difficulties as the child grows.

Cleft Lip Treatment (2)

The Surgical Procedure

The primary goal of the surgery is to close the cleft lip and restore the normal function and appearance of the mouth and nose. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and consists of several steps:

• Incision planning: The surgeon marks the area where the incisions will be made. The goal is to create a scar that blends with the normal contours of the face.
• Tissue repositioning: The surgeon carefully repositions the tissues and muscles to close the cleft lip. In cases of bilateral cleft lips, both sides of the lip are repaired.
• Nasal reshaping: If the it has affected the shape of the nose, the surgeon may also reshape the structure of the nose to improve function and appearance.
• Suturing: The incisions are closed with fine stitches to minimize scarring. These stitches may be absorbable or may need to be removed after a few days.

Recovery and Postoperative Care

After surgery, most babies can go home within a day or two. Recovery is relatively quick, and most swelling and bruising disappears within the first few weeks. Parents are usually given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site, which may include cleaning the area, applying ointment, and avoiding certain activities that may put pressure on the healing lip.

It is important to keep the child’s hands away from the face to avoid touching or scratching the surgical site. This can be accomplished with the use of soft elbow pads, if necessary. Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon will ensure that the lip is healing properly and that there are no complications.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, cleft lip surgery carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. In some cases, additional surgeries may be needed to improve the function and appearance of the lips and nose as the child grows. However, the success rate for the surgery is high, and most children recover without significant complications.

Long-term Results

The long-term outcomes for children who have had cleft lip surgery are usually very positive. Most children go on to lead normal, healthy lives with little or no visible scarring. Some children may require speech therapy to help with any remaining speech difficulties, and orthodontic treatment may be needed to correct any dental problems.

In conclusion, cleft lip surgery is an extremely important procedure that not only addresses the functional aspects of cleft lip, but also significantly improves the aesthetic appearance and psychological well-being of individuals affected by this problem.

Early surgical intervention and appropriate postoperative care can provide excellent results by addressing the problem of cleft lip and allowing children to thrive and reach their full potential.

Author: Ozan Can Canbolat

OZAN CAN CANBOLAT