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PEDIATRIC SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Cleft Lip and Palate

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How Is a Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Cleft lip and palate are noticed at birth without special diagnostic tests. A cleft lip can be diagnosed during pregnancy by a routine ultrasound. A cleft palate is usually diagnosed after birth. Submucous cleft palate is usually diagnosed after signs develop.

Prenatal (before birth) ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the fetus. A doctor may detect irregular features in the fetus’ face. Cleft lip and cleft palate are most often diagnosed around 20 weeks of pregnancy. If cleft lip and/or cleft palate are suspected on a routine ultrasound test, the doctor may recommend a more comprehensive prenatal evaluation.

How Are a Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Treated?

Treatment

Treatment for cleft lip and cleft palate involves surgery to repair the lip and/or palate and therapies to improve any related conditions. Children with a cleft lip or palate benefit from receiving care from a full craniofacial team. Our team provides an individualized treatment plan and follows each patient throughout their childhood to make sure they receive the best possible care.

  • Surgery to correct cleft lip and palate depends on the child’s situation. Surgery to repair a cleft lip is usually done when the baby is 3 to 4 months old, and to repair a cleft palate at around 10 months of age. Many children need additional surgeries to improve the appearance of the lip and nose. Cleft lip and palate surgery takes place in a hospital under general anesthesia. Several surgical techniques are used to repair a cleft lip and palate. The procedures may include:
    • Cleft lip repair is performed to close the gap in the lip.
    • Cleft palate repair is performed to build the roof of the mouth (the hard and soft palate). The procedure depends on the child’s situation.
    • Surgery to improve the child’s appearance may also be needed to improve the appearance of the mouth, lips, and nose of the child.
  • Nonsurgical treatments for children with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate often need other types of treatments and services, such as special dental or orthodontic care or speech therapy.
Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment

NewYork-Presbyterian pediatric otolaryngologists, specialists are trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and have expertise in caring for infants and children with different disorders. Learn more about causes for cleft lip and cleft palate. Contact us to make an appointment for a consultation and treatment.