Cleft Lip & Palate

Baby with cleft

What is Cleft Lip & Palate?

Cleft means 'split' or 'separation'. During early pregnancy separate areas of the face develop individually and then join together. If some parts do not join properly the result is a cleft, the type and severity of which can vary.

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Question marks

Frequently Asked Questions

 
Baby with cleft

Surgery: Before & After

To give you an idea of what can be achieved with surgery, we've put together a gallery of pre- and post- operation photos.

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Quotes...

Always be open about the cleft with your child and other members of the family. The cleft should be a normal topic of conversation, discussed with your child from an early age.
Adult with cleft 
 
If strangers stare, tell them what your child has. It usually brings up a nice dialogue and congratulate yourself; you've just educated another person!
Parent 
 
 
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