• Cleft lip is an opening or split in the upper lip which may extend to the base of the nose and the gum and bone of the upper jaw. It can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral).
• Cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth when the two sides of a palate fail to join together.
• A child can suffer from a cleft lip, a cleft palate or both.

Cleft lips and cleft palates are congenital defects that occur early in embryonic development. Clefts occur between the fourth and sixth weeks of pregnancy, as the facial structure of the fetus develops. If the bones do not connect correctly a cleft can develop.

The exact cause is unknown. Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital defects that occur early in embryonic development. Scientists believe that a combination of both genetic and environmental factors such as maternal illness, malnutrition or drugs may lead to development of cleft lip or cleft palate.

A combination of genetic and environmental factors such as:

• Mothers should be given a multivitamin containing folic acid before setting up and during the first two months.
• Pregnant women should avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.

Cleft lip or cleft palate can cause many forms of physical and psychological suffering including:

• Ear disease and dental problems, including risk of infection
• Problems with proper speech development
• Difficulty eating – which may lead to malnutrition
• Ridicule and humiliation
• Abuse and isolation

Other difficulties resulting from cleft lip or cleft palate can cause children to suffer needlessly, ultimately resulting in complete withdrawal from their communities.

Yes. Surgery provides excellent results. A pediatrician and a plastic surgeon work with a child’s parents to choose the best timing for surgery.

• Most surgeons agree that a cleft lip should be repaired by the time a baby is 3 months old and 5 kilograms. To repair the partition of mouth and nose as early as possible.
• A cleft palate generally is repaired between the ages of 12 months or more.
  Any surgical procedure is dependent upon a child’s general health and the nature of the cleft lip or cleft palate.