Cleft Lip Only

Signs and Symptoms

A cleft lip is noted at birth by the presence of a notch or gap in either one or both sides of the upper lip. If the cleft extends into the gum line, it may still be considered a cleft lip only. However, if a notch or gap in the lip occurs because of injury and is not present at birth, it is not considered a cleft lip.

Diagnosis

A cleft lip is diagnosed by physical examination at birth, although high resolution ultrasound may reveal the presence of a cleft lip in the womb. A genetic evaluation can determine if the cleft is an isolated condition or part of another syndrome or condition. A cleft lip should be diagnosed and treated by an experienced team of experts recognized by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, like the Center for Craniofacial Anomalies at UCSF.

Treatment

Surgery is necessary to repair a cleft lip. The procedure will be performed when the infant is around 10 weeks old (or at 10 pounds). Surgery takes two to three hours and often requires the infant to stay in the hospital overnight. If needed, a surgical revision of the lip surgery would be done before the child begins school. That said, surgical intervention necessary to repair a cleft lip is considered reconstructive and not cosmetic.

Orthodontic treatment (braces) is usually necessary in early adolescence and may need to start earlier.

Speech difficulties are uncommon, but a child with a cleft lip may encounter social and emotional challenges unique to this condition. Support organizations and resources are available for children and their families.