Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery in Highland Park, TX

If you have a child with cleft lip or palate, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. When you live in Highland, TX, you have access to the compassionate and caring specialists at the International Craniofacial Institute.

You can generally see an orofacial cleft, but X-rays and other tests are required for detecting other complications, such as components of the middle ear that are poorly positioned. During an in-depth assessment of an infant, we will gently examine these structures, including the soft palate in the back of the mouth and the submucous membrane of the bony palate that lies underneath.

Doctors at the International Craniofacial Institute will evaluate and diagnose the complexity and severity of the physical abnormalities so that they can design a treatment plan. They will also give you practical care instructions for your infant. It will include supportive information on how you can help them as your child goes through the different stages of repair in childhood and adolescence.

Sound Strategies – Communication Is Critical

Cleft lip or palates can hinder the ability of babies to develop pre-speech sounds. Due to this, our speech therapist examines and evaluates your child early in order to create a teaching plan. Even before palatal surgery, your child can learn to create and focus various sounds. It is vital that you encourage language experimentation because natural curiosity stimulates children to develop speech. Several months later, palatal surgery will eventually provide your child with more normal oral space to start forming and speaking words correctly.

Since hearing and speech abilities are connected, our physicians will also examine and monitor your child’s hearing. With cleft lip or palate, it is common for the inner or middle ear to develop at the wrong angle, which makes drainage difficult. This can result in chronic ear infections over time, which will require tubes to be surgically inserted so that they can drain efficiently, removing the potential for the fluid buildup that causes complications, pain, and pressure.

Treatment – Professional Team and Proper Timing

Cleft lip and palate conditions can be repaired surgically. The International Craniofacial Institute team will assess your child and plan a course of treatment to improve the appearance, form, and function of the entire orofacial area. Our plan will include numerous types of repair that involve help from specialists of the ears, jaws and mouth. It will also include a time frame that fits the natural developmental windows to avoid altering or disrupting the natural growth patterns of your child.

If your child or another relative suffers from cleft lip, cleft palate, a craniofacial complication or another genetic syndrome, and you live in Highland Park, TX contact the specialists at the International Craniofacial Institute. Speak with our staff to learn about your options and how we can help.