Cheiloschisis(cleft lip) and palatoschisis(cleft palate) are among the most common birth defects affecting children from the Philippines.
The incomplete formation of the upper lip(cleft lip) or the roof of the mouth(cleft palate) can occur individually, or both defects may occur together. The conditions can vary in severity and may involve on or both sides of the face.
A cleft or separation of the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth, occurs very early in the development of the unborn child. During fetal development, certain components of the upper lip and roof of the mouth fail to form normally. Cleft lip and cleft palate repair is a type of plastic surgery to correct this abnormal development both to restore function and normal appearance of the child.
Most clefts can be repaired through several plastic surgery techniques, improving your child’s ability to eat, speak, hear, and breathe, and to restore a more normal appearance and function.
Early intervention by a team of specialists to evaluate your child is essential in cleft lip and/or palate repair. The team usually works together to define the course of treatment, including surgical repair of the cleft, speech rehabilitation and dental restoration.
Our team includes:
- Board certified Plastic Surgeons
- Pediatricians, pediatric intensivists
- Dentists and orthodentists
- Hearing specialists
- Speech pathologists
- Social workers