Clefts

Cleft Palate Only

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

Surgery is necessary to repair a cleft palate and this intervention is considered reconstructive and not cosmetic.

Since ear infections are more common for a child with a cleft palate, a hearing test is recommended to determine whether ventilating tubes, which reduce the risk of ear infections, should be placed in the ears at the time of surgery. In addition, an eye examination usually is recommended because associated eye anomalies are not uncommon.

The cleft palate is usually repaired when the infant is around 8 to 10 months old or when he or she is starting to make sounds of speech. Palate surgery often takes about two or three hours, with the infant staying in the hospital one or two nights. Although a child's speech usually is normal after cleft palate repair, in some cases, speech therapy or a second palate surgery may be needed. A submucous cleft palate is only repaired surgically if it is determined that the procedure would improve speech difficulties. In addition, orthodontic treatment (braces) will usually be necessary.

A child with a cleft palate may encounter social and emotional challenges unique to this condition. Support organizations and resources are available for children and their families.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007