Cleft Palate Consultation

Service Description

Cleft palate surgery, known medically as palatoplasty, is a reconstructive procedure performed to close a congenital opening or split in the roof of the mouth (palate). This condition occurs when the two sides of the palate fail to fuse properly during early pregnancy. Unlike a cleft lip, a cleft palate is not always visible externally but can significantly impact a child's ability to eat, speak, hear, and breathe normally. Surgery is typically performed when the child is between 6 and 12 months of age, allowing for optimal speech development before critical language milestones emerge.