Cleft Lip and Palate Correction (Correct Baby's Facial Structures)

· Those in Bangkok, Thailand for 3 days or more.
· Those with babies who have unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate.
· Those who want to improve their babies' ability to eat, speak and hear normally.
· Those who want to correct their babies' facial structures.
· Those who want follow-up surgeries for their kids aged from 2 to late teen years.

A cleft is a split in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth (palate). Babies can be born with just a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or even both. The gap is caused by an incomplete development of the baby's face in the womb. Cleft lip and palate mostly occur as isolated birth defects and can be corrected.

A cleft lip may affect just 1 side of the lip or there may be 2 clefts (unilateral or bilateral).

A cleft palate can be an opening at the back of the mouth, or it may be a split that runs all the way from the back to the front of the mouth.

Untreated cleft lip and palate may lead to these issues:
· Difficulty to breastfeed or feed from a normal bottle as they cannot form a good seal with their mouth.
· Dental problems, as the child's teeth may not develop properly and they may be at a higher risk of tooth decay.
· Hearing problems, especially to some babies with a cleft palate, as they are more vulnerable to ear infections and fluid build-up in the ears.
· Speech problems, including unclear or nasal-sounding speech.

Cleft Lip Correction is ideally done when your baby is within 3 to 6 months of age. In the procedure, the surgeon will make incisions on both sides of the cleft and create flaps of tissue. The flaps will then be stitched together, including the lip muscles. This creates and restores a more normal lip appearance, structure and function. If needed, initial nasal repair will usually be done in the same time. This procedure is done with general anesthesia.

Cleft Palate Correction is ideally done by the age of 12 months, or earlier if possible. During the repair procedure, the surgeon will make incisions on both sides of the cleft and reposition the tissues and muscles to create a fake roof. After that, the repair is then stitched closed. This procedure is done with general anesthesia.

For children with cleft palate, an ear tube surgery may also be done. Ear tubes can be placed to reduce the risk of chronic ear fluid build-up, which can lead to hearing loss. The surgery involves placing a tiny bobbin-shaped tubes in the eardrum to create an opening to prevent fluid build-up.

<Advantages>
· Restores normal function of baby's mouth
· Repairs baby's facial structures
· Safe procedure
· Effective with proven results
· Excellent outlook for children who have had their conditions treated

<Limitations>
· Extra attention and care for your child is needed during recovery period as they may be a little uncomfortable

Although getting the surgery will significantly improve your child's appearance, ability to eat, breathe and talk, as well as overall quality of life, it's best to talk to the doctor regarding the risks. As with all surgeries, there are some risks and it's important to understand them. Risks in the treatment can include:
· Bleeding
· Infection
· Poor healing
· Widening or elevation of scars
· Temporary or permanent damage to nerves, blood vessels or other internal structures (rare)

Our affiliated hospital is renowned for its quality and excellent care. Hence, you can rest assured that your child will be treated with utmost responsibility.

· Liquid diet like puree is recommended for several days after the palate surgery.
· Arm restraints may be needed to be worn to help prevent the child from touching or injuring the surgical area while it heals. They can be temporarily removed for relief, but please supervise your child.
· Depending on the surgical technique used, sutures may need to be removed from the lip following the surgery. Please attend follow-up(s) if required.
· Swelling and scarring will fade over time, so it is highly recommended that you put adequate sun protection for your child.

Q1: Will my child need more surgeries?
A1: Depending on your child's condition, follow-up surgeries to improve the mouth, lips and nose structures can be done between the age of 2 and late teen years.

Q2: Will the scarring be obvious?
A2: The surgery may leave your child with a small scar above the lips, but this will fade and become less noticeable as the child gets older.

Q3: Will my child have any more issues as they get older after having this surgery?
A3: The majority of children treated for cleft lip or palate have completely normal lives as they grow up. Most affected children also do not have any other serious medical issues. Please consult with the doctor if you have concerns.

Q4: Will my next baby have the same condition as well?
A4: Many cases of cleft lip and palate can't be prevented, but you can consider steps to lower the risks of having another baby with cleft like genetic counseling, taking enough prenatal vitamins, as well as avoiding tobacco and alcohol.

Q5: Will the recovery be painful?
A5: Your child may feel a little unsettled especially during the first to third week of recovery and require extra attention. Depending on the doctor's consultation, you may give medications for pain relief for a few days.

Q6: Can this surgery be done to adults?
A6: Yes, but it requires a different approach and support. Please consult with your attending doctor.

[Clinic Name] Bangpakok 9 International Hospital
[Location] Bangkok, Thailand
[Nearest Station/ Nearest Tourist Destination] 10 mins drive from shopping malls such as Central Rama 2 and The Bright Rama 2, 20 mins drive from Baiyoke Tower 2
[Clinic Opening Time] Open 24 hrs