What A Parent Should Know About A Child With A Cleft Palate

Was your child born with a cleft palate that was never treated? If you don't want the condition to cause problems in your child's life, you may want to seek help from a plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Find out in this article what you should know about a child with a cleft palate and what surgery is expected to cost.

Why is it Important for a Cleft Palate to Be Treated?

Your child developed a cleft palate when he or she was in the womb. The condition occurs from there being an insufficient amount of tissue to cover the complete palate of the mouth. The insufficient amount of tissue led to your child having a slit in the palate, which can cause problems later on in life if it is not treated by a plastic surgeon. A few of the problems that a cleft palate can cause are:

• Difficulty eating
• Defective teeth
• Problems with hearing
• Difficulty speaking in a clear manner

What Happens During Surgery for a Cleft Palate?

Treating a cleft palate involves the surgeon placing your child under general anesthesia for comfort. He or she will then move skin over to cover the split in the palate. The skin is then stitched to help it remain in place. The stitches will not have to be removed because they will eventually dissolve on their own. Your child may have to undergo the surgical procedure one or more times before the split is closed up, but it depends on the severity of the condition.

The surgeon may also have to perform rhinoplasty during the cleft palate procedure if it was affected by the condition. Basically, he or she will reshape or resize the nose so your child can breathe easier. Sometimes rhinoplasty is done to improve the look of the nose if it is deformed.

How Much Does Cleft Palate Surgery Cost?

The price for treating your child's cleft palate will depend on how severe it is. You should be prepared to pay at least $5,000 for the surgical procedure. Cleft palate surgery can cost over $10,000 on the highest end of the scale. The quoted prices are estimated for individuals that are not covered by health insurance, so you may pay less if coverage is available. Get in touch with a plastic surgeon in your area to get your child's cleft palate treated before other problems occur!