Medical review in progress — patient information, not a substitute for a consultation.
Overview
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth conditions in which the lip and/or the roof of the mouth do not join completely before birth. Without treatment, children may have difficulty feeding, frequent ear and chest infections, speech problems and dental issues. With timely surgery and follow-up, children can eat, speak and smile normally.
Dr. Masum has worked in cleft care since 2005 and is Chief Plastic Surgeon and Project Director of the Smile Train – Central Hospital Cleft Project, where eligible children receive cleft surgery free of charge.
What it addresses
- Cleft lip — one or both sides
- Cleft palate — opening in the roof of the mouth
- Feeding difficulty and nasal regurgitation in babies
- Secondary lip and nose deformities in older children and adults
Who may be a candidate
- Babies born with a cleft — parents can consult soon after birth
- Older children and adults whose cleft was never repaired
- Patients who need revision after earlier surgery
Treatment options
- 01Cleft lip repair (cheiloplasty)
- 02Cleft palate repair (palatoplasty)
- 03Revision of lip and nose
- 04Feeding guidance and multidisciplinary follow-up (speech, dental, ENT)
Benefits & limitations
- Improves feeding, speech and appearance
- Children may need more than one operation as they grow
- Speech therapy and dental care are often part of long-term care
Every patient is different. Results vary and no outcome can be guaranteed; your surgeon will discuss what is realistic for you.
Consultation & assessment
The baby’s weight, feeding and general health are checked and the right time for each operation is planned with the parents. Parents are shown how to feed a baby with a cleft safely until surgery. Families can ask at the hotline about free surgery through the Smile Train project.
Preparing for surgery
- 1Bring the child’s birth and vaccination records
- 2Follow the feeding and fasting advice before surgery
- 3Tell the team about any cough, cold or fever — surgery may be postponed until the child is well
The procedure
Surgery is done under general anaesthesia. In lip repair, the separated muscles and skin are brought together to recreate the lip; in palate repair, the tissues of the palate are rearranged to close the opening and allow normal speech development. The timing of each operation depends on the child’s health and growth and is advised individually.
Recovery & aftercare
Most children go home within a few days. Parents receive instructions on feeding, keeping the wound clean and protecting the lip. Regular follow-up checks healing, hearing and speech.
Possible risks
- Wound breakdown or a small hole in the palate (fistula)
- Need for further surgery as the child grows
- Bleeding or a collection of blood under the skin (haematoma)
- Infection
- Delayed wound healing or wound breakdown
- Scarring that is more noticeable than expected
- Risks related to anaesthesia
Questions about this treatment
Through the Smile Train – Central Hospital Cleft Project, cleft lip and palate surgery is provided free of charge for eligible children. Call the hotline for details.
The timing depends on the child’s weight and health. Lip repair is usually planned in the first months of life and palate repair before speech develops; Dr. Masum advises each family individually.
Special bottles, upright positioning and small frequent feeds help. The team will demonstrate safe feeding at the first visit.
Related videos
Appointment
Talk to us before you decide.
Call the hotline for a serial at Central Hospital, Dhanmondi — Saturday to Thursday, 3 pm to 6 pm.