How many plastic surgeries are needed for congenital cleft lip and palate?
Disease description:
The baby has congenital cleft lip and palate, and started surgical treatment this year, having already undergone two surgeries. The doctor said further observation is needed. How many plastic surgeries are required for congenital cleft lip and palate?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Congenital cleft lip and palate usually require 2 to 5 reconstructive surgeries. For children with cleft palate, palatal repair can be performed before the age of 2. Through speech and muscle training, surgical intervention around age 14 can further improve articulation. However, in severe cases of cleft lip and palate, the deformity is too extensive to be fully corrected in a single operation, thus 2 to 5 cosmetic procedures are generally needed. For children with severe cleft lip and palate, early postoperative speech therapy should be initiated to correct improper pronunciation and articulation.
