The purpose of cleft lip and palate surgeries
- Posted on: Oct 15 2020
The moment a mom sees her baby for the first time is a joyous event. At Sasson Plastic Surgery of Great Neck, NY, our plastic surgeon, Dr. Homayoun Sasson, understand the challenges that can occur when a child is born with deformities or craniofacial abnormalities. This includes a common deformity known as cleft lip and cleft palate.
What is cleft lip and palate?
Cleft lip and palate, sometimes referred to as “orofacial clefts,” are birth defects. They develop because of improper development of the nose, mouth, and lip during pregnancy. This condition begins around the fourth and seventh week of pregnancy when the baby’s lips begin to form. The tissue and facial features may not grow properly and join as they should, resulting in cleft lip and palate upon birth. There may be an opening or slip that can extend from the lip to the nose and may impact the entire mouth and nasal area dramatically.
When can cleft lip and palate surgery be performed?
The sooner the surgery is performed for a child, the better. During the first year, one or more surgeries may be done to correct the deformity. This varies depending on the severity of the cleft lip and palate, and depending on if the nasal area needs to be improved as well. During an initial consultation, Dr. Homayoun Sasson will evaluate the patient and make recommendations based on the current situation. It is important for parents of young children to understand that this surgery can greatly improve their self-confidence as they age, and can also help with feeding, proper speech, and overall appearance of the facial elements. When done correctly, patients who have had this surgery will have minimal scarring and will be extremely satisfied with the final results.
Treat cleft lip and palate with Dr. Homayoun Sasson
Individuals in and around the area of Great Neck, NY considering cleft lip and palate surgeries for themselves or for their children are recommended to speak to the team at Sasson Plastic Surgery about their needs. Call the office today to schedule a consultation visit and appointment to speak to a professional about your options!
Posted in: CLEFT LIP & PALATE
