Cleft Lip

Every smile has a tale to tell, and individuals with cleft lips or palates have a tale of tenacity, grit, and success to tell. Congenital cleft lips, which can develop during early pregnancy, can impact a person's appearance, speech, ability to feed themselves, and sense of self-worth. This blog delves into cleft lips and examines its causes and treatment to help cleft lip adults lead an everyday life.

What Is A Cleft Lip?

A congenital disorder known as a cleft lip results in an opening or gap in the upper lip. This separation may be as tiny as a notch or as wide as a separation that extends up toward the nose. The tissue that forms the lip does not ultimately join together during the earliest stages of fetal development. The top lip may develop a gap or cleft due to this failure of fusion, which frequently looks like a split or separation.

One or both upper lip sides may develop cleft lips, and the severity of the condition might vary. In certain circumstances, only the skin is impacted; in others, the breach may penetrate the top lip's muscle and bone layers. Cleft lips and palates can coexist when there is a hole in the roof of the mouth.

A congenital disorder known as a bilateral cleft lip results in clefts or gaps on both sides of the top lip. The severity of this form of cleft lip can range from a little gap on each side to a more severe split that may even extend to the gums and palate.

Learn about cleft lip repair procedures in Istanbul from our medical experts!

What Causes Cleft Lip?

Complex congenital conditions like cleft lips can result from genetic and environmental variables. Although the precise cause of cleft lips is not always known, researchers have found several plausible cleft lip causes:

• Genetics: Cleft lips are primarily the result of genetic predispositions. If one parent or a close relative has had a cleft, the chances of having a child with one increase. As numerous genes are probably involved, cleft lip does not always follow a simple inheritance pattern.
• Chromosome Abnormalities: Certain genetic disorders and chromosomal anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate, can be linked to some cases of the condition. The cleft may not be the only birth abnormality seen in these diseases.
• Environmental Aspects: Pregnancy-related environmental factors can raise the likelihood that a child will develop a cleft lip. These elements include maternal smoking, alcohol and drug usage, drug exposure, use of specific drugs, and inadequate nutrition in mothers. Another factor is prenatal exposure to certain teratogenic (birth defect-causing) substances.
• Lack of Folic Acid: Pregnant women must consume enough folic acid to avoid some birth abnormalities. Early pregnancy folic acid shortage has been linked to a higher cleft lip and palate development incidence.
• Conditions and Infections in Mothers: Cleft lip formation may be made more likely by maternal diseases or infections during pregnancy, such as uncontrolled diabetes or specific viral infections.
• Multifaceted Causes: The formation of cleft lips is frequently seen as a multifactorial feature, resulting from a mix of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. The complex process of acquiring a cleft lip is made more challenging by the interaction of several inherited and environmental factors.

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Cleft Lip Repair

The goal of cleft lip repair, sometimes called cleft lip surgery or cheiloplasty, is to close the gap or separation resulting from a cleft lip in the upper lip. The ideal time to do this treatment is when the infant is a few months old, usually between 3 and 6 months, though this can vary depending on the surgeon's recommendation and the unique facts of each case. Prenatal cleft lip ultrasound imaging can sometimes reveal cleft lip, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy. Although cleft lip cannot always be accurately diagnosed with ultrasonography, some symptoms and markers may be seen that raise suspicion.

The primary objectives of cleft lip repair surgery are to enhance the lip's look, restore its functionality, and lay the groundwork for typical speech development. To get a more natural-looking contour, the lip's gap must be carefully closed after surgery.

Here is a list of the usual steps.

1. Initial Preparation: The medical staff will thoroughly assess the child's overall health and readiness for the procedure before the surgery. The surgeon will review the surgery plan with the parents or legal guardians, easing any worries and outlining what to anticipate.
2. Anesthesiology: To guarantee that the youngster is sleeping and pain-free during the procedure, general anesthesia will be administered.
3. Tissue Realignment and Incision: The surgeon will gently adjust the tissues to produce a united upper lip by making precise incisions along the cleft's margins. To form a continuous lip structure, the muscles and tissues on either side of the cleft are sewn together.
4. Nasal Repair, if Required: In some circumstances, treating any problems with the nasal structure that are connected to the cleft may also be a part of cleft lip repair. This can entail reshaping the nostrils or modifying the nasal cartilage to increase symmetry and function.
5. Closing and Dressing: The incisions are meticulously stitched up after the tissues have been repositioned. A dressing or protective covering may be applied over the surgical site to promote healing and preserve the area.
6. Recovery and Follow-Up: The young patient will be thoroughly washed in the recovery room after the procedure. The medical staff will provide guidelines for postoperative care, including how to feed the kid, clean the incision site, and treat any discomfort. There will be scheduled follow-up meetings to evaluate the healing process and resolve any issues.

Cleft lip repair extra therapies to address any comorbid disorders, like speech and dental issues. Contact our experts in Istanbul to learn about the cleft lip treatment procedure in Turkey!

Liv Hospital For Cleft Lip Repair

Liv Hospital is a top option for anyone seeking cleft lip therapy in Turkey. Liv Hospital is a network of 7 modern hospitals demonstrating its dedication to "Leading International Vision." Liv Hospital, known for innovative healthcare, provides top-notch knowledge and cutting-edge technology for life-changing cleft lip therapy.

Contact Liv Hospital experts to learn about the cleft treatment prices in Turkey 2023!