Understanding cleft lip and palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital conditions that occur when parts of the upper lip and/or palate do not join completely during development. The condition may affect feeding, speech, hearing, dental development and facial growth.
Cleft conditions vary in type and severity. A cleft may involve the lip, the palate or both, and may occur as an isolated condition or alongside other developmental differences. Each child’s needs should be assessed individually, with attention to feeding, growth, hearing, speech, dental development and family concerns.
Care often extends beyond the initial operation. Children may need monitoring as they grow, and some may benefit from coordinated input from surgical, dental, speech and hearing professionals at different stages of development.
How the condition is evaluated
Assessment considers the type and extent of the cleft, age, growth, general health, feeding, speech, hearing and dental development. Care may involve several healthcare professionals over time.
Treatment and surgical options
Surgical procedures are planned according to the child’s needs and the treatment pathway. Some patients may require more than one procedure as they grow. Timing and sequence are individualised by the cleft care team.
Surgical planning takes account of the cleft anatomy, the child’s age and health, growth, feeding and the wider care plan. Families should receive clear information about the purpose of each stage and the expected follow-up.
Parents and caregivers should be supported with practical guidance before and after surgery, including feeding or diet instructions, wound care, pain management, warning signs and scheduled reviews. Long-term care may include speech, dental and developmental assessment.
What patients should know
Families should receive a coordinated plan and clear guidance about feeding, surgery, recovery, speech and long-term follow-up.
Treatment decisions are individualised. The information on this page is general and does not replace a consultation, diagnosis or personalised treatment plan. Bring relevant prescriptions, imaging, pathology reports and medical history to your consultation.