CLEFT LIP & PALATE TEAM

Our El Paso cleft lip & palate team is endorsed by the American Cleft Palate Association (ACPA), and composed of specialists renowned for the treatment of cleft lips, cleft palates, and craniofacial abnormalities.

For an appointment, please call Ruby Ann Rosales 915.544.1350 or e-mail us at cleftpalate@swent1.com

CLEFT LIP & PALALTE

Cleft lips & palates are some of the most common birth defects in North America and require the collaboration of a highly specialized team of doctors.

Our team approach allows us to put together a specialized treatment plan for your child resulting in the highest level of care possible.

ABOUT CLEFT LIP & PALATE

A baby's face and mouth form in the early weeks of pregnancy. The left and right sides of the face as well as the roof of the mouth join together. If these anatomical units do not fuse correctly a cleft lip or palate occurs. A unilateral cleft results when only one side fails to fuse. Whereas, a bilateral cleft lip occurs when both sides of the lip fail to join. When the palatal shelves (roof of your mouth) fail to join a cleft palate results. A child may be born with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. A cleft lip that extends to the nose is called a complete cleft lip, and a cleft palate that affects the entire roof of the mouth is considered a complete cleft palate.

Children born with either a cleft lip or palate will almost always need surgery to correct their condition. Virtually all children born with clefts who receive appropriate care go on to lead happy, healthy, and productive lives. This booklet will provide you with some basic information about clefts and the surgical procedures to correct them.

CLEFT LIP & PALATE TREATMENT

As children with cleft lip and palate mature, services from multiple healthcare professionals are needed. In addition to the surgical repair of the opening in their lip or palate, these children may need additional help with their eating, teeth, speech, hearing, and social/psychological development. Our El Paso Cleft Lip and Palate Team is certified by the American Cleft Palate Association (ACPA) and composed of specialists renowned for the treatment of cleft lip, cleft palate, and craniofacial deformities.