Cleft Lip and Palate
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Cleft Lip and Palate: Treatment
Treatment of cleft lip and palate requires a team approach and involves several specialties, including plastic surgeons, orthodontics, speech therapists and others. Treatment may extend over a period of several years.
Surgery to close the cleft lip is usually performed at 3-9 months of age. Later surgery may be needed if there is extensive nasal involvement.
A cleft palate is usually closed within the first year of life to enhance normal speech development. Until surgery, a prosthetic device is often fitted over the palate for feeding.
Continued follow-up may be needed with speech therapists and orthodontists.
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