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Cleft Palates
A Common but Misunderstood Problem in Newborns
By Lisa A. Goldstein
Generally speaking, the options for parents are limited, Dr. Villarin says. Unless the cleft palate is extremely minor and not causing feeding problems, surgery is the definitive treatment most recommended, he says.
"The risks of surgery are very low and not life threatening with modern anesthesia," says Dr. Vander Kolk, who advises parents to look for a plastic surgeon with a lot of experience treating clefts.
Surgery usually doesn't occur until 12 to 18 months of age, because earlier surgery may affect normal facial growth or damage the teeth buds, Dr. Villarin says. In most cases, insurance will cover most or all of the cost of cleft palate repair. Until surgery is performed, not only will the baby have difficulty with feedings, but babies with cleft palate are more prone to ear infections due to the anatomical defect, so this needs to be treated appropriately as well.
Dr. Villarin says a team approach is critical to treating a baby with cleft. This team may include a pediatrician, plastic surgeon, a dentist and an ear, nose and throat specialist. Other valuable members would be skilled nurses, a genetic counselor and a psychologist.
Remember, the cleft should not be the defining issue in the child's life, Dr. Vander Kolk says. "It will take time and treatments, but we can fix most everything."
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