Embracing Confidence: Life Beyond a Cleft Palate
Everyone recognizes smiles as symbols of connection, happiness, and joy. They convey emotions that words sometimes struggle to communicate, reaching across language, culture, and distance. However, for some adults born with a cleft palate, the journey to smiling confidently and fully comes with unique challenges. This blog aims to dispel myths and foster a better understanding of the mental and emotional changes that can arise as one embraces their true self.
What Is A Cleft Palate?
A split or opening in the palate, a congenital disorder, is known as a cleft palate. This split happens due to incomplete fusion of the palate-forming tissue during fetal development. As a result, the mouth has an opening that can run from the rear (near the uvula) to the front (against the lips). The hard palate (the front bony part) or the soft palate (the back part) may be affected by this opening, which can vary in size and severity. A submucous cleft palate is characterized by a covert split in the palate's underlying muscle and tissue, which may impact speech and nutrition.
Cleft lips, with an opening or gap in the upper lip, can occur alone or in conjunction with cleft palates. Depending on the severity of the problem, cleft palate, and cleft lip can affect a person's ability to speak, eat and perhaps even breathe normally. Cleft lip ultrasound can sometimes detect cleft lip in utero, allowing for early preparation and medical planning. A cleft palate can range in severity from a minor opening requiring little treatment to a larger, more complicated opening requiring several procedures and continuous care.
What Causes Cleft Palate?
Several factors can contribute to the development of this condition:
- Genetic Factors: Family history plays a major role in the likelihood of developing a cleft palate. If a parent or sibling has a cleft palate, the chance of another child being born with this condition increases. Specific genes that are involved in facial and palatal development are believed to affect the risk of cleft palate.
- Environmental Conditions: Exposure to certain environmental factors and chemicals during pregnancy can raise the risk of developing a cleft palate. Maternal behaviors such as smoking, alcohol use, taking specific medications, and receiving inadequate nutrition throughout pregnancy have all been associated with increased chances of cleft palate formation.
- Folic Acid Deficiency: For healthy fetal development during pregnancy, enough folic acid intake is essential. Inadequate folic acid consumption has been linked to cleft palate and other congenital abnormalities.
- Multifactorial Inheritance: Cleft palates commonly result from a combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors, referred to as multifactorial inheritance. Unlike a straightforward genetic pattern, this means that various influences can work together to determine how the condition develops.
- Chromosomal Discordances: Certain chromosomal irregularities, particularly those associated with syndromes such as Down syndrome or the Pierre Robin sequence, have been linked to an increased risk of developing a cleft palate.
Cleft Palate Symptoms
Below are some typical symptoms and issues associated with cleft palate:
- Experiencing difficulty with sucking and swallowing in infancy because of limited ability to fully close the mouth.
- Speech difficulties, including nasal tone and challenges articulating specific sounds.
- Owing to the connection between the middle ear and a cleft palate, there is greater susceptibility to ear infections and hearing problems.
- Dental and orthodontic concerns may influence the alignment of teeth and development of the jaw.
- In extreme cases, breathing difficulties could prevent an individual from properly inhaling through their nose.
- Cosmetic concerns, with facial appearance being altered by visible openings in the upper palate.
- Effects on mental and social well-being that may diminish personal self-esteem and body image.
- Multiple surgeries and ongoing medical treatment are necessary to address both functional and cosmetic concerns.
How To Prevent Cleft Lip And Palate During Pregnancy?
Adopt a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle during pregnancy to help lower the risk of cleft lip and palate, focusing especially on adequate folic acid intake. Refrain from certain medications, smoking, and alcohol. Pursue early prenatal care and genetic advice if there is a family history of this condition. While these measures cannot guarantee prevention, they contribute to a healthier pregnancy overall.
Cleft Palate Repair
Cleft palate repair is a surgical procedure designed to close the opening in the roof of the mouth caused by a cleft palate. This operation is typically performed when the baby is a few months old.
The process of surgically repairing a cleft palate includes the following steps:
1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered so the baby stays fully asleep and comfortable throughout the surgery.
2. Incisions: The surgeon creates incisions on either side of the cleft palate to access the underlying tissue and muscles.
3. Closure of Tissue: Tissue on both sides is gently repositioned and stitched to close the gap, while the muscles are also surgically adjusted and secured for better function.
4. Soft Palate Repair: Within the same operation, the soft palate at the mouth's rear is repaired if it is found to be affected.
5. Dissolvable Stitches: Absorbable stitches are used to close the wounds after the tissue has been sutured.
6. Recovery and Healing: A short hospital stay after surgery may be needed for observation, followed by a period where the surgical area requires protection and cleanliness during healing.
7. Follow-up Attention: Ongoing follow-up appointments are important to ensure proper recovery, monitor the child's development, and manage any arising complications.
8. Speech Therapy: After healing, speech therapy may be recommended to support the child's ability to communicate and develop proper speech skills.
9. Potential Further Operations: Further surgical procedures might be needed as the child grows to improve speech, dental alignment, and full function, based on the cleft palate's extent and individual needs.
For more information about cleft palate treatments, our medical experts in Istanbul are available to assist you.
Liv Hospital Offering A Complete Cleft Palate Treatment
Liv Hospital is recognized by those seeking cleft palate care for its strong commitment to global healthcare standards. Representing "Leading International Vision," Liv Hospital aims to shape the future of medicine. With 7 hospitals across Turkey, you can consult their experts to learn about cleft palate treatment costs in Turkey for 2023.
* 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a cleft lip and a cleft palate?
A cleft lip is a separation in the upper lip, while a cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. They can occur separately or together, affecting speech, feeding, and facial appearance.
Can a cleft palate be detected before birth?
Yes. In many cases, a prenatal ultrasound during the second trimester can detect a cleft lip or palate, though small or hidden clefts may not always be visible.
What are the main causes of cleft palate?
Cleft palate results from a mix of genetic and environmental factors such as family history, folic acid deficiency, maternal smoking, alcohol use, or certain medications during pregnancy.
Is cleft palate repair a one-time surgery?
Not always. While the first surgery usually closes the cleft, additional procedures may be needed later for speech improvement, dental correction, or aesthetic refinement.
At what age is cleft palate surgery performed?
Cleft palate repair is typically done when the baby is between 6 and 12 months old, depending on health, cleft severity, and the surgeon’s assessment.
Will a child need speech therapy after surgery?
Yes. Speech therapy is often necessary to help the child develop proper pronunciation and overcome nasal speech patterns caused by the cleft.
Why choose Liv Hospital for cleft palate treatment?
Liv Hospital offers advanced cleft repair techniques, experienced surgeons, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs, ensuring holistic care for both functional and emotional recovery in Turkey.