Similar to cleft lip, cleft lip palate is another congenital deformity that occurs very early in pregnancy. The presence of cleft palate has both aesthetic and functional implications for patients in their social interactions, particularly on their ability to communicate effectively and on their facial appearance with or without involvement of the lip. However, the good news with this condition is that it is highly treatable through the use of cleft palate surgery.

Due to the number of oral health and medical problems associated with a cleft palate, a team of doctors and other specialists is usually involved in the care of these children. This usually includes a plastic surgeon, orthodontist, an oral surgeon, dentist, pathologist and other specialist that would work together to develop a plan of care to meet the individual needs of each patient. Treatment usually begins in infancy and often continues through early adulthood.

In some children, a cleft palate may involve only a tiny portion at the back of the roof of the mouth; for others, it can mean a complete separation that extends from front to back. Just as in cleft lip, cleft palate may appear on one or both sides of the upper mouth. However, repairing a cleft palate involves more extensive surgery and is usually done when the child is nine to 18 months old, so the baby is bigger and better able to tolerate surgery.

To repair a cleft palate, the surgeon will make an incision on both sides of the separation, moving tissue from each side of the cleft to the center or midline of the roof of the mouth. This rebuilds the palate, joining muscle together and providing enough length in the palate so the child can eat and learn to speak properly.

The decision to have cleft palate surgery is extremely personal and your plastic surgeon will explain the bene?ts, goals and potential risks or complications. Some of the risks include bleeding (hematoma), infection, poor healing of the incision made, allergies, anesthesia risks and some alteration surgery.  However, the most important thing to do to lessen the possibility of complications is to look for the best surgeon for you child's surgery. It is very important to find a surgeon who had enough training and experience for this kind of surgery. Browsing for the before and after photos will also give you an idea of how a good a surgeon is. The price would always be a big factor for selecting a surgeon but always keep in mind that the surgeon's experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.