Overview

Facial deformities, like Cleft lip and palate, can be life altering conditions for those affected by them. Dr. Hitesh at Authentic Hair Transplant and Cosmetic Centre, Pune is specialized in cleft lip and palate reconstruction surgery procedures and offers viable solutions to reduce facial deformities with minimal scarring and good restoration of facial functions. Learn more about the cleft lip and palate evaluation process, reconstructive procedures, surgery, recovery, non-surgical treatment, and common risks and complications in this comprehensive guide.

What is a Congenital Cleft Lip and Palate?

A Cleft lip and palate are congenital facial deformities – present at birth – that occur when facial structures fail to close properly while the baby is growing in the womb. It is usually identified in the early weeks of pregnancy on an ultrasound scan.

Clefts can occur on one or both sides of the face and can affect the lip, the alveolus (gums) and the hard and soft palates. Each cleft can vary in size and extent.

These deformities can be corrected through surgery.

What Causes Congenital Cleft Lip and Palate?

It is believed that cleft lip and palate develop in the womb due to a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. A certain degree of deformity can be present because of either or both of these factors.

How Does the Evaluation Process Work for Cleft Lip and Palate?

To evaluate the cleft in order to determine the most suitable treatment, a specialized team of plastic surgeons like Dr. Hitesh from Authentic Hair Transplant and Cosmetic Centre, Pune will usually go through the following steps:

Physical examination.
Review of medical history.
Imaging tests such as X-ray.
Genetic testing may also be done.

The team will then have enough information to recommend a treatment plan that is the best option for the patient.

What Reconstructive Procedures are Available for Cleft Lip and Palate?

Reconstructive surgery procedures available for a cleft lip and palate are:

Primary Repair Surgery: Early repair of the deformity in newborns, usually before the newborn is 3 months old.
Secondary Repair Surgery: Usually performed when the deformity requires more extensive repairs or when the patient is slightly older or bigger.
Nerve Reconstruction Surgery: To repair the nerves that are affected by the facial deformity.
Orthognathic Surgery: To correct any abnormalities of the jaw that might arise due to the cleft.
Dental Restoration Surgery: To correct any dental or gum deformities that might arise due to the cleft.

How is Cleft Lip and Palate Reconstruction Surgery Performed?

The reconstructive and restorative surgery forcleft lip and palate is usually performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, Dr. Hitesh at Authentic Hair Transplant and Cosmetic Centre, Pune willl use a combination of techniques, including advanced tissue transplantation, to restore facial functions and aesthetics in a single step. The details of the surgery will be explained in detail before the procedure is performed.

The duration of the surgery may also vary depending on the extent of deformity.

What is the Recovery Process for Cleft Lip and Palate Reconstruction?

The recovery period for a cleft lip and palate reconstruction surgery can take several weeks. Pain can be controlled with medications to make sure the patient is comfortable during the healing process. After the initial period of recovery, the patient will start feeling better and return to their daily routine. However, the patient will be instructed to take some precautions for up to 6-8 weeks after the surgery. Dr. Hitesh at Authentic Hair Transplant and Cosmetic Centre, Pune will specify these precautions which may include avoiding extreme temperatures, avoiding any kind of strenuous physical activities, avoiding swimming, etc.

Can Cleft Lip and Palate Affect Speech and Eating?

Cleft lip and palate deformation can have an effect on the patient’s ability to speak and eat. With proper surgical treatment and dedicated follow-up care, normal speech can be restored. In some cases, some speech therapy might be recommended to make sure the patient has normal speech in the long run.

Similarly, a cleft lip and palate can also affect the patient’s chewing. With the help of reconstructive surgery as well as the use of prostheses like dental implants, the patient can restore normal chewing ability.

Are There Non-Surgical Options for Treating Cleft Lip and Palate?

There are certain non-surgical treatments that can be used to improve a cleft lip and palate, such as:

Physiotherapy: To improve speech and breathing.
Speech therapy: To help the patient learn alternative techniques of speaking.
Dental treatment: To restore the dental deformities caused by the cleft.
Orthotics: To reduce any issues related to the jaw joint.

However, in most cases, surgical intervention is needed to correctly repair the facial deformity.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Cleft Lip and Palate Reconstruction?

As with any other surgery, there are certain risks and complications associated with the reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and palate. Dr. Hitesh at Authentic Hair Transplant and Cosmetic Centre, Pune will discuss these risks and complications, in detail, before the patient decides to go ahead with the surgery.

Book a consultation with Dr. Hitesh at Authentic Hair Transplant and Cosmetic Centre, Pune today to get professional advice and treatment for cleft lip and palate reconstruction procedure and get the desired results.

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Meet Dr. Hitesh Laad

MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Plastic Surgery, DNB - Plastic Surgery

Dr. Hitesh Laad is a distinguished figure in the field of cosmetic surgery, with a profound interest and expertise in hair treatment and hair transplant surgery. He takes immense pride and joy in performing successful, life-changing surgeries that positively impact the personal, professional, and social lives of his patients. His unwavering dedication to the well-being of his patients and the society at large has driven him to establish Authentic Hair Transplant and Cosmetic Centre as a premier destination for cosmetic treatments.

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