Cleft lip and palate

Cleft lip results from abnormal development of medial nasal and maxillary process at time they
bulge downwards in front of and below the nasal pit.
Cleft palate results from a failure of fusion of the two palatine processes or in the case of the soft
palate, of a merging process to carry the union backwards from the site of initial fusion.
Treatment:
1. Cleft lip alone:
a. Unilateral (one side): One operation at 5-6 months.
b. Bilateral (both sides): One operation at 4-5 months.

2. Cleft palate alone:
a. Soft palate only: One operation at 6 months.
b. Soft & hard palate: Two operations. Soft palate at 6 months. Hard palate at 15-18 months.

3. Cleft lip and palate:
a. Unilateral: 2 operations. 

Cleft lip and soft palate at 5-6 months. 

Hard palate and gum pad with or without lip revision at 15-18 months.
b. Bilateral: 2 operations. 

Cleft lip and soft palate at 4-5 months. 

Hard palate and gum pad with or without lip revision at 15-18 months