Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Reconstructive Surgery in Ft. Lauderdale

One of the most saddening congenital birth deformities affecting children the world over is the cleft lip and the cleft palate. However, thanks to modern technology, we can now correct these problems with cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. But, in third-world countries, many children still have to go without this kind of help.

The cleft lip (cheiloschisis) and cleft palate (palatoschisis) are among the most common birth defects affecting children in North America. The incomplete formation of the upper lip (cleft lip) or roof of the mouth (cleft palate) can occur individually, or both defects may occur together. The conditions can vary in severity and may involve one or both sides of the face. A cleft lip or cleft palate occur in about one in 600 to 800 births, and are also called hare lip.

There are three different types of cleft lip. The unilateral incomplete cleft lip looks like a dent in the upper lip that does not reach the nose. It is also sometimes called a partial or incomplete cleft. If the dent reaches one nostril the cleft lip is known as a unilateral complete cleft. If it reaches to both nostrils, it is known as a bilateral complete cleft lip. If the cleft does not extend into the mouth, cosmetic surgery can be accomplished to correct this condition.

A cleft palate is a bit more serious condition. In this case, the two plates that form the skull in the hard palate, or roof of the mouth, do not completely join. Again, there are three kinds of cleft palates. The incomplete cleft palate is only a problem within the mouth and does not reach the nose. The complete lip and palate clefs reach the nostrils and are either unilateral (reaching only one nostril) or bilateral (reaching both nostrils). If this occurs, a combination of reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgeries is needed to correct the problem. Usually, surgery can be accomplished immediately after birth, but most doctors prefer to wait until the baby is at least ten weeks old so that he or she has time to recover from the birthing process itself.

Cleft lips and cleft palates form due to genetic and environmental factors. They are most prevalent in Asian, Latino, and Native American races, but they can actually affect any child. A cleft, or separation of the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth, occurs very early in the development of your unborn child. During fetal development, certain components of the upper lip and the roof of the mouth fail to form properly. Cleft lip and cleft palate reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery is used in order to both restore function to the mouth and to restore a more normal facial appearance. What I mean to say is that not only will it form a more normal-looking face, but it will also help with the various speech problems a child will have if trying to learn to speak with a cleft lip or cleft palate.

If your baby has a cleft lip or cleft palate, you should talk to your doctor about the options available to you. In most cases, this surgery can be covered by your medical insurance, and it is definitely a good idea in order to help the physical, psychological and emotional growth of your child. Many successful people have been born with cleft lips and palates, and have overcome the deformity through reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.

When you decide to have your child's cleft lip or cleft palate corrected, or any other plastic surgery accomplished in the Ft. Lauderdale area, you want to make sure that you find the most experienced, professional Cosmetic Surgeon and surgery staff available.

Whether you live in Ft. Lauderdale or anywhere else in the country, cosmetic surgery requires a truly competent plastic surgeon. You should make your final selection of a surgical team only after comparing references and interviews. For the best results, be prepared to invest a little time and effort to find the best practice available. Even then, there are no guarantees, but you can rest easy knowing that you did everything possible in finding the right Cosmetic Surgeon in the Ft. Lauderdale area!

If you liked this article and would like more information about how to find the best Cosmetic Surgeon in the Ft. Lauderdale area, visit our website at http://www.LauderdaleCosmeticSurgery.com.