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Cleft Lip Cosmetic Surgery
When the tissues of the upper palate and the lip fail to join during gestation, a baby will develop a gap in the palate. This gap can be within just the palate, (which is called an incomplete palate), or reach further towards the lip and the nostrils. If it does go to the lip and the nostrils, there would be a line-like 'hole' that not only is unattractive, but could negatively interfere with feeding or talking. Fortunately, in today's time cosmetic surgery can correct even the most major cleft lip deformity.
As a general rule of thumb, surgeons do not like to perform cleft lip cosmetic surgery on newborn infants, even though technically it is possible. According to Wikipedia surgeons like to go by a "rule of 10s". This means cleft lip cosmetic surgery wouldn't be preformed until a child is at least 10 weeks, weighs 10 pounds and has 10 g hemoglobin. Once the baby fits this criteria, they are ready for the cleft lip cosmetic surgery. The procedure would begin with the surgeon making an incision in the cleft area. The surgeon then pulls the sides together for both the palate and the lip. If the child has a cleft lip that extends to both nostrils, they may need to get cosmetic surgery twice to correct the problem.
Although cleft lip cosmetic surgery is a highly successful procedure with limited side effects, there are risks associated with it, as it is no different than any other form of cosmetic surgery. These risks could include a negative reaction to the anesthesia, swelling, bleeding and an asymmetrical appearance. However, if parents do not opt to get cleft lip cosmetic surgery, a child could develop many problems later in life as they try to eat or talk. The condition also makes them look abnormal, which makes them more prone to being teased and shunned by society. Indeed, there are many types of cosmetic surgery where it is not worth going through the risk. This is particularly the case if the purpose of cosmetic surgery is to improve the appearance on someone who is already normal. But when it comes to cleft lip cosmetic surgery, there is both the element of practicality and aesthetics. It is worth going through the risk.
Of course, even if cleft lip cosmetic surgery is successful, a child may still need help dealing with their condition. In fact, when a child has cleft lip, it is recommended that parents get a team of cleft lip professionals to help them. PlasticSurgery.org suggests getting together a team of surgeons, dentists, speech and language specialists, social workers, hearing specialists, nurses, and genetic counselors to assist the child in dealing with their deformity.
If your child does have a cleft lip, and they are at least 10 weeks of age, consider going on and getting cleft lip cosmetic surgery. Insurance-wise, most cleft lip procedures should be covered, as they are viewed as 'necessary' operations. You and your child's journey into fixing the cleft lip won't end the first operation… in fact it is just a beginning. Other surgeries may be needed down the road to ensure the palate retains a normal appearance, but keep in mind attending to a cleft lip should also mean utilizing non-surgical means, something that other professionals in a 'cleft lip team' could provide assistance with. All in all with cosmetic surgery and other types of therapies, children born with cleft lips can still live normal and happy lives.
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