What Is A Cleft Lip?
A congenital disorder known as a cleft lip results in an opening or gap in the upper lip. This separation may be tiny or extend toward the nose. During early fetal development, the tissue forming the lip fails to join, leading to a gap or cleft. Cleft lip may occur on one or both sides of the upper lip, and its severity can vary.
Bilateral Cleft Lip
A bilateral cleft lip involves gaps on both sides of the upper lip. Severity ranges from a small notch on each side to a large split extending to the gums and palate.
What Causes Cleft Lip?
Cleft lips are complex congenital conditions that can arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While the exact cause is not always clear, researchers have identified several likely contributors to the development of cleft lips:
- Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in cleft lips, which are often linked to hereditary predispositions. The likelihood of a child being born with a cleft increases if a parent or close relative has had one. Since several genes may be involved, cleft lips do not follow a straightforward inheritance pattern.
- Chromosome Abnormalities: Some cases are associated with genetic syndromes or chromosomal abnormalities, such as those involving cleft lip and palate. In these conditions, the cleft is often one of several birth defects observed.
- Environmental Aspects: Environmental factors during pregnancy can increase a child's risk of developing a cleft lip. These include maternal smoking, alcohol or drug use, exposure to certain medications, and poor nutrition. Additionally, prenatal contact with teratogenic substances, which cause birth defects, may also contribute.
- Lack of Folic Acid: Adequate folic acid intake during pregnancy helps prevent certain birth defects. A deficiency in folic acid during early pregnancy has been connected to a higher risk of developing cleft lip and palate.
- Conditions and Infections in Mothers: Cleft lip development may be influenced by certain maternal illnesses or infections during pregnancy, including poorly controlled diabetes or specific viral illnesses.
- Multifaceted Causes: Cleft lips are often considered multifactorial in origin, resulting from both genetic susceptibility and environmental influences. The intricate interplay between inherited traits and external factors adds complexity to how a cleft lip develops.
You can schedule a consultation with our medical team in Istanbul to learn more.
Cleft Lip Repair
The goal of cleft lip repair, sometimes called cleft lip surgery or cheiloplasty, is to close the gap or separation resulting from a cleft lip in the upper lip. The ideal time to do this treatment is when the infant is a few months old, usually between 3 and 6 months, though this can vary depending on the surgeon's recommendation and the unique facts of each case. Prenatal cleft lip ultrasound imaging can sometimes reveal cleft lip, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy. Although cleft lip cannot always be accurately diagnosed with ultrasonography, some symptoms and markers may be seen that raise suspicion.
The primary objectives of cleft lip repair surgery are to enhance the lip's look, restore its functionality, and lay the groundwork for typical speech development. To get a more natural-looking contour, the lip's gap must be carefully closed after surgery.
Here is a list of the usual steps.
- Initial Preparation: Before surgery, medical staff will thoroughly assess the child's overall health and readiness for the procedure. The surgeon will review the surgical plan with the parents or legal guardians, addressing any concerns and explaining what to expect.
- Anesthesiology: To ensure the child is asleep and pain-free during the procedure, general anesthesia will be administered.
- Tissue Realignment and Incision: The surgeon will gently adjust the tissues, making precise incisions along the cleft's edges to create a unified upper lip. The muscles and tissues on either side of the cleft are then carefully sewn together to form a continuous lip structure.
- Nasal Repair, if Needed: In some cases, correcting issues with the nasal structure related to the cleft may be included in the repair. This can involve reshaping the nostrils or adjusting the nasal cartilage to improve symmetry and function.
- Closing and Dressing: After repositioning the tissues, the surgeon meticulously stitches the incisions. A dressing or protective covering may be placed over the surgical site to promote healing and protect the area.
- Recovery and Follow-Up: After the procedure, the young patient will be closely monitored in the recovery room. The medical staff will provide postoperative care instructions, including guidelines on feeding, cleaning the incision site, and managing discomfort. Scheduled follow-up visits will help evaluate the healing process and address any concerns.
Cleft lip repair extra therapies to address any comorbid disorders, like speech and dental issues. You can contact our experts in Istanbul to learn about the cleft lip treatment procedure in Turkey!
Liv Hospital For Cleft Lip Repair
- Liv Hospital is an excellent choice for those seeking cleft lip treatment in Turkey. With a network of seven modern hospitals, Liv Hospital demonstrates a commitment to its "Leading International Vision." Known for innovative healthcare, Liv Hospital provides expert knowledge and advanced technology to deliver transformative cleft lip therapy.
- You can contact Liv Hospital specialists to learn about the latest cleft treatment prices in Turkey.
- This content was contributed by the Liv Hospital Editorial Board. The information provided is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. This page does not provide details about medicinal health care at Liv Hospital.
Additional therapies are often included in cleft lip repair to manage associated conditions, such as dental or speech challenges. You can reach out to our team in Istanbul for detailed information about cleft lip treatment options in Turkey.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
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