In the early weeks of development, long before a child is born, the right and left sides of the lip and the root of the mouth normally grow together.

Occasionally, however, in about one of every 800 babies, those sections don't quite meet. A child born with a separation in the upper lip is said to have a cleft lip.

A similar birth defect in the roof of the mouth, or palate, is called a cleft palate. Since the lip and the palate develop separately, it is possible for a child to have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or variations of both.

If your child was born with either or both of these conditions, surgery was probably recommended to repair it. Great advances in treating children with clefts have been made and can do a lot to help your child lead a normal, healthy, happy life.

Please call Dr. Barrera for more information or a consultation concerning this procedure. This procedure is normally covered by insurance.

Click here for a detailed description of cleft lip surgery

Click here for a detailed description of cleft palate surgery

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