Cleft Lip
A Cleft Lip may be unilateral or bilateral, complete or incomplete. The goals of cleft lip repair include reestablishment of muscle continuity and re-creation of the normal landmarks of a lip. The skin, muscles and mucous membranes are surgically moved from their abnormal positions and joined back together again. Cleft lip repair is normally performed around age 3-6 months or at 10 kg weight of the baby. These babies feed easily, gain weight quickly and become bonded to their families with minimal disruption. At JAH we admit the baby for 2-3 nights. This surgery is not covered by insurance in UAE and the Package deal on cash payment is available for 20000 dirham on simple unilateral cleft lip. more difficult and complicated bilateral lip repairs costs more.

Normal landmarks recreated in the repair of a cleft lip include the philtrum or central dimple of the upper lip, the philtrum column or ridge on either side of the central dimple, the cupid's bow curvature between the white and red regions of the lip, and the vermilion tubercle or pout of the central red part of the upper lip.

Cleft Palate
A Cleft Palate may be unilateral or bilateral, involve the soft palate only, or it may involve both soft and hard palate, and extend through the gum where teeth will eventually erupt. The goals of cleft palate repair are to re-establish muscle continuity and function in the soft palate, and re-approximation of the palate lining across the cleft. The palate lining is shifted from the sides to the center and stitched together. The bare areas left on the sides heal in spontaneously.

Cleft palate repair is normally performed around age 6 to 9 months, in time for speech development. When present
a cleft through the gum, or alveolar process, may also be closed at this time. However a bone graft may be required
around age 6 to 8 years to anchor the eruption of a permanent tooth.

Many children will require speech therapy and, occasionally, a surgical pharyngoplasty, to correct nasal speech. The timing of these surgeries for tooth eruption and speech is coordinated by the Cleft Palate Team.

Children with cleft palates may have problems with hearing, speech, and teeth eruption. Cleft palate team members, in addition to plastic surgeons, include audiologists, ear specialists, speech pathologists and therapists, dentists, orthodontists and oral surgeons.

Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity
A Cleft Nasal Deformity is typically associated with cleft lip and palate. The affected side of the nose is widened and flattened due to displacement of the nasal cartilages. The goals of cleft nasal surgery are to re-establish normal nasal tip projection, alignment of the nares, and position of the nasal base. To supplement the cartilages of the nasal tip, a cartilage graft may be required. Our surgeons are very experienced with nasal surgery and utilize the latest in techniques and technologies. Cleft nasal surgery is usually performed at age 4 to 5 years, prior to starting school. Because growth may not take place in a normal fashion, revisions of the nasal surgery may be required in the adolescent and teen years.

© Information provided here is for general education about cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. This information is subject to change. dubai-aesthetica.com does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, and is not responsible for any actions resulting from the use of this information. General information provided in this fashion should not be construed as specific medical advice or recommendation, and is not a substitute for a consultation and physical examination by a physician. Only discussion of your individual needs with a Professor Dr. Ashok Govila will determine the best method of treatment for you.