Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common congenital facial anomalies, affecting thousands of children worldwide. They occur when the tissues that form the lip and roof of the mouth (palate) do not fuse properly during early fetal development. This results in a visible split in the upper lip, the palate, or both, leading to feeding difficulties, speech challenges, ear infections, and dental issues—along with profound social and emotional impact.
At the center of cleft treatment is the need for surgical expertise and long-term care, and that’s where Dr. Richie Gupta brings in his vast experience in craniofacial and pediatric reconstructive surgery. Through early intervention, meticulous surgical planning, and a compassionate approach, Dr. Gupta helps children born with clefts achieve normal function, speech, facial balance, and a confident smile.
What is a Cleft Lip?
A cleft lip is a split or opening in the upper lip. It may affect one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). The gap may range from a small notch to a large opening that extends into the nose.
What is a Cleft Palate?
A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth, which may involve:
The soft palate (back portion)
The hard palate (front portion)
Or both
It can occur with or without a cleft lip. Children with cleft palate often face difficulty feeding, nasal regurgitation, and speech development problems due to the lack of separation between the mouth and nasal cavity.
Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery
Book a consultation today to begin your child’s cleft care journey with confidence, compassion, and world-class expertise.
- Cleft Lip Repair (Cheiloplasty)Typically performed at 3 to 6 months of age.
- Cleft Palate Repair (Palatoplasty)Ideally done between 9 to 18 months, before the development of major speech patterns.