Cleft Lip Repair

Name: Cleft Lip Repair
Brand: Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute
Rating: 5 (15 reviews)

At Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute, we understand that every child deserves a smile they can be proud of. We are specialists in cleft lip repair, a procedure designed to restore the natural appearance and function of your child's lips, providing them with the confidence and quality of life they deserve. Our team is led by renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Edward H. Davidson, MD, FACS, FAAP, with specialist fellowship training in cleft and craniofacial surgery and over a decade of experience. All surgical care is provided at the region’s leading children’s hospital by dedicated pediatric specialists.

What is cleft lip?

Cleft lip is a congenital difference that occurs when parts of the face do not join properly during early fetal development. This results in an opening or split in the upper lip, which can vary in size from a small notch to a wide opening that extends into the nose. Our cleft lip repair in Palm Beach is a surgical procedure that aims to correct this, restoring a more typical appearance and functionality to the lip and mouth.

The cleft lip repair experience

Cleft care is a journey that begins even before birth; our team offers pre-natal meetings with expectant families to discuss what to expect, and we provide support and guidance during the perinatal period. Our multidisciplinary team cares for patients with clefts from initial cleft repair surgery through adolescence and adulthood with treatments designed to improve appearance, speech, dental health, and overall development. We work as part of a multidisciplinary team including a cleft care coordinator, cleft surgeon, genetic counselor, geneticist, pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT), speech pathologist, pediatric dentist, orthodontist, audiologist, social worker, psychologist and pediatrician.

The goal of our team is to help your child achieve his/her full potential without being limited or defined by a facial difference. At every stage, Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute provides a supportive, compassionate environment, ensuring patients and their families access the best care, resources, and support.

Dr. Davidson and his team are committed to creating positive outcomes, ensuring that every patient feels valued and cared for throughout their journey from childhood to adulthood.

How is the surgery performed?

A cleft in the lip is typically repaired at 3-6 months of age. Sometimes a lip “adhesion” or lip molding will be performed first for wide clefts to improve the result of lip repair. The reason for lip repair is appearance-related and should not affect feeding, breathing or speech. The surgeon makes incisions on either side of the cleft and rearranges the tissues to close the gap. The natural contours of the lip and nose are recreated, and the incision is closed with sutures. The procedure usually takes about 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Our surgical team use the most advanced techniques to recreate a natural lip appearance and limit scarring.

Dr. Davidson newspot discussing Cleft lip and cleft palate

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Cleft Lip Repair Before & After

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What is the recovery for cleft lip repair?

After your cleft lip surgery in Palm Beach, your child will likely experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with medication. A special arm restraint may be used to prevent your child from touching the surgical area. Feeding will be adjusted to avoid pressure on the surgical site. Patients may spend one night in the hospital for monitoring or go home the same day.

A Reconstructive Expert

Dr. Davidson discusses his dedication to reconstructive surgery.

Why choose Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute for cleft lip repair?

At Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for children requiring cleft lip repair. Our team is led by a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialist fellowship training in cleft and craniofacial surgery and over a decade of experience. All surgical care is provided at the region’s leading children’s hospital by dedicated pediatric specialists.

It is commitment to personalized care sets Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute apart. The boutique concierge practice ensures that each patient receives individualized attention, from the initial consultation to post-operative follow-ups. Our partnership with the Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Foundation allows us to provide financial assistance for treatment of congenital facial differences, making quality plastic surgery accessible to those who need help, regardless of financial circumstances.

A commitment to excellence and patient experience

At Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute, we believe in providing a patient experience that combines the personal touch of concierge private practice with the safety and expertise of hospital-based surgical care. The Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute team is dedicated to achieving excellent results. Our commitment to patient satisfaction is evident in our dedication to availability, service, wraparound care, and ensuring a quality experience for every patient and family. We offer the warmth of genuine support and care throughout the journey. By choosing Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute for cleft lip repair in West Palm Beach, you are choosing a team wholly committed to your child’s well-being, delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care every step of the way.