What is the treatment for bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate?

Hi,

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I understand your concern. Bilateral cleft lip and palate mean a cleft or gap in the patient's lips and gums area that extends to the back of her mouth. When it is bilateral, it means the defect is present on both sides. I have reviewed your reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), and it is evident that the cleft is bilateral, and the extent of the palate is unknown. Coming to its management is a crucial phase for both parents and the baby. It will involve multiple surgeries and require lots of care throughout the process, but it is life-changing. Initially, presurgical infant orthopedics, also called presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM), shall be carried out, which involves putting tape on the baby's face and lips to reduce the gap. When the baby is ten weeks old with at least ten lbs weight, lip surgery can be planned, followed by a second surgery approximately three months apart to correct the other lip side. After this, when the baby is about 12 to 18 months old, surgery on the palate will be planned out. The gums part will also be taken care of during the PNAM process and lips surgery. I hope this information will help. Thanks.