Cleft Lip and Palate is one of the most common congenital facial anomalies. Left untreated it can affect a child’s self-esteem and has a significant effect on speech, swallowing and other oral and nasal functions.
Dr Vybhav Deraje, together with a multidisciplinary team of ENT surgeons, dentists, orthodontists and speech therapists, provides protocol-based, standardised treatment. Common types include Cleft Lip only, Cleft Lip and alveolus, Cleft Palate only, Cleft Lip and Palate, and submucous Cleft Palate.
Treatment Protocol by Age
3–6 Months — Lip Repair
Needs only a one-day hospital stay. Babies can breastfeed immediately after surgery if there is no palatal problem.
Read More About 3–6 Months — Lip Repair9–12 Months — Palate Repair
Needs 1–2 days in hospital. This operation is critical for the development of normal speech. Most babies also need ventilation tubes inserted in the ears by an ENT surgeon at the same time, because a Cleft Palate usually comes with a dysfunctional Eustachian tube and fluid in the ears.
Read More About 9–12 Months — Palate Repair1–12 Years — Speech Therapy and Speech Surgery
All children have speech therapy after the palate operation, with periodic speech assessment and nasendoscopy. Where needed, secondary Speech Surgery such as pharyngoplasty or Furlow’s Z-plasty improves speech.
Read More About 1–12 Years — Speech Therapy and Speech Surgery7–11 Years — Alveolar Bone Grafting with Orthodontics
Bone from the hip is transferred to the upper jaw, timed to the eruption of the canine tooth. The orthodontist prepares the jaw before surgery and finishes alignment afterwards.
Read More About 7–11 Years — Alveolar Bone Grafting with Orthodontics16–18 Years — Jaw Surgery with Orthodontics
Orthognathic Surgery corrects the ‘flat face’ (midface hypoplasia) with a Le Fort I maxillary advancement or sometimes Double-Jaw Surgery. The upper jaw is brought forward for a proper bite and better facial balance; the lower jaw is moved when required. This is major surgery with a 3–4 day hospital stay including one day in ICU.
Read More About 16–18 Years — Jaw Surgery with OrthodonticsAbove 18 Years — Rhinoplasty, with Lip Revision If Needed
Rhinoplasty corrects the nasal deformity associated with Cleft Lip and Palate; any adjustments to the lip can be made at the same time.
Read More About Above 18 Years — Rhinoplasty, with Lip Revision If NeededSubsidised treatment is available for children with Cleft Lip and Palate from economically disadvantaged families. Please ask the clinic.
Need More Information?
Call +91 95355 81616, email connect@drvybhavderaje.com or book an appointment online .
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age is Cleft Lip repaired?
Lip repair is done at 3–6 months of age and needs only a one-day hospital stay. Babies can breastfeed immediately afterwards if there is no palatal problem.
When is a Cleft Palate repaired?
Palate repair is done at 9–12 months of age with a 1–2 day hospital stay. It is critical for normal speech development, and ear ventilation tubes are usually inserted at the same time.
Will my child need speech therapy after Cleft Palate surgery?
Yes. All children have speech therapy after palate repair, with periodic speech assessment and nasendoscopy. Some need secondary Speech Surgery (pharyngoplasty or Furlow’s Z-plasty) between 1 and 12 years.
What is Alveolar Bone Grafting and when is it done?
Between 7 and 11 years, bone from the hip is grafted into the gap in the upper jaw, timed to the eruption of the canine tooth, with orthodontic treatment before and after.
Is subsidised cleft treatment available in Bangalore?
Yes. Subsidised treatment is available for children with Cleft Lip and Palate from economically disadvantaged families. Contact the clinic for details.
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment plans depend on clinical assessment.