Cleft Palate - Treatment Overview
Surgery is the primary treatment for cleft palate. Sometimes multiple procedures are needed over several years to fully correct the defect. Additional treatments depend on the severity of cleft palate and whether other problems develop, such as speech or feeding problems. Some treatments, such as speech therapy, may continue into early adulthood.
Before surgery
Before surgery to correct a cleft palate, your baby may need treatment:
- For breathing difficulties. Some babies born with cleft palate have obstructed airways. Treatment depends on the severity of the problem. For example, some babies can be given oxygen through a tube in the nostrils. In rare cases, emergency measures are needed, such as a tracheostomy.
- For feeding difficulties. Babies with cleft palate usually have difficulty sucking and swallowing. A doctor or nurse can guide you on feeding techniques. Also, your baby will be closely monitored for signs of dehydration.
- To prepare the mouth for the surgery. Dental supports may be used immediately after birth or within the first 2 to 3 weeks of birth. These supports are made from plastic or metal molds (sometimes called a baby plate or obturator) to help reshape the tissues.
Surgical repair of cleft palate
Generally, surgery
is performed between ages 12 months and 18 months to promote normal speech and
language development. 2 Before age 6 months, surgical
repair of cleft palate may cause problems with normal facial growth. In some
situations, doctors may prefer to wait until the baby is 18 months of age, to
avoid damaging the teeth buds or for other reasons related to your child's
circumstances. Surgery to correct a cleft of the soft palate may be done
earlier than surgery to correct a cleft of the hard palate. See a picture
comparing a normal mouth and two types of cleft palate 
.
Additional surgeries may be needed as your baby grows and develops. The number and type of surgeries depend on how much of the palate is affected and other aspects of your baby's health, such as whether another facial defect or health condition is present. For example:
- A baby with a cleft of the soft palate may need only one surgery, which usually is done between the ages of 1 and 2. It sometimes is postponed until the child is between ages 5 and 7 years.
- A baby with a cleft that involves both the hard and soft palates may need several surgeries, beginning at birth and continuing until he or she is between 10 and 13 years of age.
- A baby who has cleft palate and other facial birth defects, including cleft lip, may need several surgeries, may have more complications, and may need additional treatment.
After surgery
After surgery to correct cleft palate, antibiotics are usually given for about 5 days.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Cleft Palate Topics
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
-
8
-
9
-
10
-
11
-
12
Sleep expert helps new moms get more rest.
