What Treatment Might Look Like

When we met with the University of Minnesota cleft team the surgeon provided us with a general outline of what treatment might look like. It is important to note that treatment varies from doctor to doctor and also depends on the extent of the cleft.

The top difficulties faced by babies or children with clefts include feeding problems, ear and hearing problems, dental and speech problems.

After Baby is Born

• Bring baby in for initial appointment with surgeon as soon as possible

2-3 Months Old

• First surgery to bring lip and dental ridge together
• Prep for this surgery may include taping and molding

6 Months Old

• Functional surgery on lip

1 Year

• Surgery to close the palate

Next 2-3 Years

• Focus on speech and speech therapy
• Potential for surgery to correct speech issues

Preschool/Kindergarten

• Touch up surgery

8-9 Years Old

• Bone grafting
• Provides support for unerupted teeth and teeth next to the cleft
• Provides support for the lip and nose and to improve symmetry
• Forms a continuous upper gum (alveolar) ridge, creating a more natural appearance and stability to the ridge

Other

• Because ear infections are common the baby would probably have tubes put in during one of the other surgeries
• Additional surgeries may be needed
• Continued follow-up may be needed with speech therapists and orthodontists

As I said in an earlier post the team will follow him into adulthood. Mike and I both came away from this meeting feeling a little overwhelmed. There is more involved over a longer period of time than we thought.

Whatever it takes!