Cleft lip or palate by surgeon Federico Vargas
Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Author: Federico Vargas MejíaModified date:
What is the cause of a cleft lip or palate?
The cause of cleft lip or palate is multifactorial. There are genetic or hereditary factors and the spontaneous mutation of genes or the environment, the latter includes maternal nutrition and external agents such as pollution or pollution. the most frequent cause of all is spontaneous mutation, since it is very difficult to determine the factor or agent that causes it.
When can cleft lip or palate be operated on?
Cleft lip or palate can be operated on around 3 to 6 months of age, ideally the earlier the better because all these interventions alter the development of the child's face.
Why are children born with a cleft lip or palate?
the most common cause of cleft lip or palate is a spontaneous cause in which no single factor can be identified as to why they are born this way, however, there are some hereditary diseases which may include cleft lip or palate. < / p>
How long does cleft lip or palate surgery last?
Cleft lip or palate surgery lasts between 45 minutes and an hour and a half approximately.
Is cleft lip or palate surgery painful?
Cleft lip or palate surgery is really very painful, but it is very easy to handle with oral pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
What is the recovery time for cleft lip or palate surgery?
After cleft lip or palate surgery, parents should take care of their children for a minimum of 15 days while the wound heals.
How long should you wait to eat after cleft lip or palate surgery?
Patients as soon as they wake up from the surgery can take their ordinary bottle or breast according to the time intervals and in the same way as they did before the surgery as there are no contraindications.
Can a cleft lip or palate be operated before birth?
There are several studies that are investigating operating on cleft lip or palate before birth, however, no benefit has been found of doing it before birth and the risk is much higher, that is why it is preferred to operate when it is born, more or less between 3 and 6 months.