Cleft lip is one of the most prominent congenital anomalies that can affect a child’s appearance and oral functions. However, it is no longer an obstacle to a natural smile. With advances in plastic surgery and maxillofacial surgery, this condition can now be corrected with high precision and safe techniques that help restore confidence from early childhood.

Early identification of the condition and an appropriate treatment plan make a significant difference in speech development, appearance, and even the child’s psychological well-being. In this article, we review the causes of cleft lip, available treatment options, and the importance of early intervention in preserving both a healthy smile and overall health.

What Is a Cleft Lip?

A cleft lip is a congenital defect that occurs when the upper lip does not fully close during fetal development, resulting in a gap or split in the lip. The split may occur on one side only (unilateral cleft lip) or on both sides (bilateral cleft lip).

This condition is not limited to cosmetic appearance; it can also affect speech, chewing, and sometimes breathing. Therefore, early surgical repair of a cleft lip is essential to improve both functional and aesthetic outcomes for the child.

Causes of Cleft Lip

The main causes of cleft lip include:

• Genetic factors: A family history of cleft lip increases the likelihood of occurrence in children.
• Problems during fetal development: The split may result from incomplete fusion of tissues during the early weeks of pregnancy.
• Environmental and lifestyle factors: Maternal exposure to factors such as smoking, certain medications, or poor nutrition during pregnancy may increase the risk.
• Hormonal imbalances: Some studies suggest that hormonal changes during pregnancy may play a role in the development of cleft lip.
• Chronic maternal illnesses: Conditions such as diabetes or other health issues during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital anomalies.

Steps of Cleft Lip Repair Surgery

Cleft lip repair is performed through a series of precise steps designed to correct the split and achieve a natural, harmonious appearance. Each step is carefully planned to preserve lip and oral function and ensure safe healing:

Initial Evaluation and Examination
The surgeon evaluates the condition of the lip, mouth, and jaw, determines the appropriate treatment plan, and selects the optimal timing for surgery.

Anesthesia
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia to ensure the child’s comfort and safety throughout the operation.

Preparation of the Lip and Incision Lines
The surgeon carefully marks precise incision lines on both sides of the cleft, preserving surrounding muscles and tissues.

Closure of the Cleft
The tissues are delicately repositioned and reconstructed to create a natural and symmetrical lip shape, with proper alignment of the muscles to restore normal function.

Suturing and Stabilization
Fine, absorbable sutures are used to close the wound, promoting proper healing with minimal scarring.

Postoperative Follow-Up
This includes monitoring wound healing, providing wound care instructions such as gentle cleaning and avoiding pressure on the area, and following the child’s growth to ensure optimal long-term results.

Types of Cleft Lip

Cleft lip can be classified into several types:

Unilateral Cleft Lip
The split occurs on one side of the upper lip and is the most common type. It may sometimes affect the teeth and surrounding tissues on the same side.

Bilateral Cleft Lip
The split appears on both sides of the upper lip and is often associated with spacing of the teeth and jaw involvement. This type requires meticulous surgical planning to achieve balanced correction.

Partial Cleft Lip
The split is limited and does not extend to the nose. It usually has a lesser impact on oral function compared to complete clefts.

Complete Cleft Lip
The split extends from the lip up to the nostril, significantly affecting appearance and function, making early surgical intervention essential.

Success Rate of Cleft Lip Surgery

Cleft lip repair has a very high success rate. Medical studies and clinical experience indicate that most cases achieve effective and natural-looking results after surgery.

Success depends on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the child’s age at the time of surgery, and strict adherence to postoperative care instructions. When these factors are optimized, lip and mouth appearance improve significantly, normal speech and chewing functions are restored, and long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing results are achieved.

Health Complications Associated with Cleft Lip

Potential complications associated with cleft lip include:

• Speech difficulties or distortion of certain sounds, especially if not treated early.
• Difficulty closing the mouth properly, which may affect feeding and digestion.
• Dental and jaw alignment problems, such as spacing of the teeth or malocclusion.
• In some cases, issues with the Eustachian tube, increasing the risk of ear infections and hearing problems.
• Psychological effects, including embarrassment or reduced self-confidence, particularly during social interactions.

Important Postoperative Care Tips

To ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome after cleft lip surgery:

• Follow all wound care instructions and prescribed medications carefully.
• Avoid pressure or friction on the surgical area to promote healing and prevent scarring.
• Provide soft, easy-to-swallow foods during the initial recovery period.
• Maintain gentle oral hygiene to prevent infection, avoiding vigorous rinsing at first.
• Limit play and activities that may stress the lip for approximately two weeks.
• Attend scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing and ensure normal progress.
• Adequate sleep and a balanced diet support tissue healing and faster recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleft Lip Surgery

Does cleft lip affect speech?
Yes, cleft lip can affect speech, particularly certain sounds, due to impaired lip and mouth movement. Early surgical intervention usually corrects this issue and allows for normal speech development.

Can cleft lip be detected by ultrasound?
Yes, cleft lip can often be detected by prenatal ultrasound between weeks 16 and 20 of pregnancy, allowing for early planning of postnatal care.

When is surgery recommended?
Surgery is typically recommended between 3 and 6 months of age, depending on the physician’s assessment, to ensure normal growth of the mouth and facial structures.

When do the final results of cleft lip surgery appear?
The initial appearance is noticeable within about two weeks, while final results become evident after several months once healing is complete.

Conclusion

Cleft lip repair surgery is a crucial step in improving both appearance and function in affected children, enabling normal speech, effective chewing, and a harmonious smile. With the extensive experience and precision of Dr. Sary Rabah in plastic and reconstructive surgery, each case can achieve safe, natural results supported by careful follow-up to ensure healthy and balanced facial growth.

Do not wait—book your consultation today with Dr. Sary Rabah to provide your child with expert care and restore their smile with confidence and beauty.