About Cleft Pallet Surgeries

Cleft palates are common congenital deformities in which skull palates are partially formed, resulting in a gaped look between the plates that can extend to the lips. Cleft palate is developed before birth and is mostly seen in Native American and Asian individuals. Below is more information on the benefits and usefulness of cleft palate surgery.

Function

• Cleft palate surgeries are performed to close the gap between the two skull plates. The gap can be closed by either a prosthetic or the patient's own bone tissue.

Benefits

• Many people with cleft palates have speech or dental problems that can be remedied with cleft palate surgery.

Expert Insight

• According to MD Louis E. Bartoshesky, babies born with cleft palate can undergo reconstructive surgery 12 to 18 months after birth. This early surgical option makes it easier for children to adjust to a normal lifestyle without the speech, dental and hearing problems associated with cleft palate.

Famous Ties

• Famous historical figures Doc Holiday and Tutankhamen were both said to have had cleft palate.

Fun Fact

• Cleft palate is one of the most common birth deformities in America, and occurs in 1 in every 700 babies born in the United States.