Cleft palate occurs when the roof of the mouth does not completely close. There will be an opening that can extend into the nasal cavity. The cleft may involve either side of the palate. It can extend from the front of the mouth (hard palate) to the throat (soft palate). A cleft palate may be the only defect in the child, or it may be connected with cleft lip or other conditions. In many cases, other family members have also had a cleft palate at birth.

Cleft lip is when the lip does not completely form during fetal development. The degree of the cleft lip can vary greatly, from mild (notching of the lip) to severe (large opening from the lip up through the nose).

Treatment for cleft lip and palate includes surgery. We take a total team approach to help with the many issues that can occur. Specific treatment will be decided by your child's doctor based on:

• Your child's age, overall health and medical history
• Specific qualities of your child's abnormality
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
• Involvement of other body parts or systems
• Your opinion or preference

For most infants with just a cleft lip, the defect can be repaired within the first several months of life (usually when the baby is 10 to 12 pounds). This will be decided by your child's surgeon. The goal of this surgery is to fix the separation of the lip. Sometimes, a second operation is needed.

Cleft palate repairs are usually done between the ages of 9 to 18 months, but before the age of 2. This is a more complicated surgery and is done when the baby is bigger and better able to tolerate the surgery. The exact timing of the surgery will be decided by your child's doctor. The goal of this surgery is to fix the roof of the mouth so that your child can eat and learn to talk normally. Sometimes, a second operation is needed.

At Children's Wisconsin, your child's care begins at your very first appointment and continues well beyond surgery. Although every surgical procedure is different, there are some things you can expect to occur before and after. 

At your first visit, your child's plastic surgeon will talk with you about:

• The details of the surgery
• Risks, including possible complications
• Benefits, including the expected outcome
• What to expect for recovery time

You will also talk with your child's plastic surgeon to ask questions and address any concerns you have.