A cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs once in every 750-1000 live births, wherein the roof of the mouth, or palate, doesn’t develop fully, leaving an opening, or cleft, that may extend all the way to the nasal cavity.  While there have been genetic links and environmental factors associated with cleft palates, the specific cause remains unclear.  Such environmental factors include: smoking, drug use and illness by the mother while she is pregnant.

This craniofacial defect impairs speech, jaw alignment, and hearing. The complications aren’t minor. Because a cleft palate can lead to frequent ear infections, a total loss of hearing is a real possibility. Obviously, the location of the cleft affects speech, and many children struggle to speak normally.  These secondary impairments underscore the importance of early intervention.

Even more troubling than these physical obstacles is the heartbreaking fact that the child may face abuse from classmates and even adults or suffer from low self-esteem and depression as they compare themselves with others. The condition affects appearance in varying degrees, but the worst cases demonstrate just how much this birth defect can interfere with a child’s well-being.

Luckily many of the challenges a child with a cleft palate faces can be nearly eliminated through early assessment and age-appropriate surgery.  Doctors recommend surgery for infants ages 12 to 18 months because the tissues affected are in an optimal state and because speech development is not in full-swing yet.

Cosmetic surgery for a child’s cleft palate will not only free him or her of the social stigma associated with the defect, but also surgery will minimize (and possibly eliminate) the hearing, speech, and dental problems that accompany a cleft palate. A good doctor will offer a thorough consultation, address parents’ concerns, and connect with the child so that the experience will be emotionally comfortable for the child and his or her family.
Children are placed under anesthesia during the procedure. The goal of the surgery is to close the open section of the lip by reworking the tissue so that it closes the cleft. The result is closure of the cleft and a lip that looks more natural and functions better. The surgery’s benefits continue to accumulate afterward, with gradual improvement, but sometimes secondary surgeries can accelerate improvements more quickly.

Excellent post-operative care is essential to making sure the cosmetic procedure is successful. Sun protection should be used, pain medication will decrease discomforts, and though shocking at first, a child may have to be restrained from touching the surgical area while it heals. Keeping in mind the long-term benefits to the child, these steps are the loving measures parents and caregivers will need to take to achieve faster recovery.

Prices for the procedure vary. Health insurance will almost always pay for this operation. Without health insurance, people face costs from separate sources. There are doctor’s fees, hospital fees, anesthesia fees, etc. Different doctors will charge different prices so there is no one price for the surgery. The minimum cost of the surgery is usually $5000. Parents who can’t afford the surgery should search for organizations that provide assistance as soon as they are aware their child has a cleft palate.

You can help a child live a normal life by donating to programs like The Smile Train.

Reconstructive surgery patients rebuild their looks and confidence after suffering a devastating accident.

Victims who have suffered from an accident that had disfiguring effects often turn to reconstructive surgery in attempt to regain self-image. In the event of an accident, the person has already suffered great trauma, and the process of attempting to restructure the deformed area can be a difficult process to undergo. The emotional and mental damage, although unseen, can be just as significant as the visible damage.

Also, unlike cosmetic surgery, the choices surrounding surgery, such as who, when, and how a procedure will be performed, do not always exist. Frequently the surgery is done in an emergency situation with little time to make decisions and with little or no patient consent.

Because of the complexity of these procedures, it may be helpful to contact patients who have undergone similar procedures to get advice and support.  Joining web-based support groups such as www.inspire.com is a great start. Not only will such support help the patient cope with the emotional trauma of the accident, but there may be helpful advice regarding surgeons who specialize in their particular surgical needs.

After the wounds have healed prior to reconstructive surgery the patient may be left with obstacles to overcome such as not being able to walk, move certain limbs, or simply not being able to perform daily functions without help. These situations are best addressed under the care of a physical therapist. In physical therapy the patient will have an individualized plan to help them recover to the best of their ability. The therapist will design a plan special tailored to the specific needs of the patient, in some cases the patient may need to relearn to use a body part, or lean how to use an artificial part.

The bodily changes a patient can undergo when dealing with reconstructive can lead to depression. Often times after surgery a patient may experience an onset of postoperative depression or the “blues”. Once the reality of the situation sets in a patient may feel low self-esteem or even angry that they were a victim of these circumstances. In any case, a patient suffering emotionally or socially after reconstructive surgery may benefit from counseling.

The outcome of any reconstructive surgery is never predictable. The recovery time is based upon the difficulty of the surgery and any complications that may occur prior to the surgery. The patient’s anatomy and ability to heal are also factors that will affect recovery. Complications like excessive bleeding, blood clots, infection, bruising, or wounds that are difficult to heal are all issues a patient may face. Although these issue are usually minor, if not treated properly they could become serious.