Cleft Palate Repair

Introduction

A cleft palate involves the roof of the mouth and may involve the alveolus (gum), hard palate, and soft palate. The cleft may be unilateral or bilateral. Repair of the cleft is generally performed between 8-10 months of age to prepare the child for the development of speech. During the repair, the existing palate tissue is moved to the middle and the muscle sling of the soft palate is reconstructed. The remaining open areas on the sides of the palate will heal on their own in very short order.

young child -- cleft palate -- Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Sundine

View Results

Before + After
Photo Gallery

Are you unhappy with the results of your cosmetic nose surgery? This happens to about 15 percent of all nose surgery patients. Nose surgery can deliver great results, but in some cases, they are not achieved through the initial procedure. Many patients who undergo nose reshaping surgery decide to undergo a second procedure to further enhance the shape, size, or width of the nose. Cleft Palate Repair can also be performed to help patients who are experiencing difficulty breathing as a result of the initial procedure.

View Results

About Cleft Palate Repair

Many of the patients will require speech therapy to improve the quality of their speech. Occasionally the patients will require additional operations on the back of their throat around school age to improve the quality of their speech and to reduce hypernasality (too much air going out the nose with speech). The cleft of the alveolus is generally repaired around 8 years of age, before the eruption of the permanent canine tooth. Many of the patients will require expansion of the palate to ensure the correct form of the dental arch by the orthodontist before performing the bone graft surgery.

Dr. Michael Sundine is a renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Newport Beach. Throughout his career, he has helped many patients suffering from abnormalities such as cleft lip and cleft palate. If you’d like to book a consultation with Dr. Sundine please contact us today!

Cleft Palate Repair -- Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Sundine

Young girl curly hair -- cleft palate repair

Cleft Palate Repair Aftercare Instructions

You may feed your child normally-ie. using a cross-cut nipple, Haberman feeder, pigeon nipple, etc. You may need to feed the child initially using a syringe. The child may eat breast milk, formula, or Stage 1 baby food only for six weeks. You may want to give the child a bottle or sippy cup of water to cleanse the palate. This will prevent the child from having bad breath.

You will be given a prescription for Tylenol® with codeine elixir for pain. You may use this medication every six hours as needed for pain. You may also use plain children’s Tylenol® liquid for pain.

Keep the “No-No’s” in place at all times for three (3) weeks following the operation. The “No- No’s” may be removed for bathing.

Plan for a postoperative visit at 2 weeks postoperative.

*Call our office if you have any questions, if any problems should arise, or if you have been having any signs or symptoms of infection (redness, fever, drainage).

Real Patients

Real Reviews

What I really like about Dr. Sundine is his vast experience and training. I also like the fact he did not try to sell me other procedures. He is also very down to earth and easy to talk to. I am very satisfied with the results and I highly recommend him.

After much research and multiple visits to other surgeons, I knew right away that Dr. Sundine was the perfect choice for me. I felt completely confident in his ability from the first visit to the last. I have been singing his praises to all of my friends and will recommend him to anyone searching for a plastic surgeon. Thanks, Dr. Sundine

Dr. Sundine is an excellent plastic surgeon! I have been using his services for almost 5 years. If you want to look years younger and fully refreshed I highly recommend that you use his services. Patients walk out looking naturally gorgeous, not overdone like some of the women in Orange County!

Dr. Sundine is the best plastic surgeon. Dr. Sundine’s excellent skills and knowledge has made my surgery turn out so well. But more importantly, it made me feel better about myself. Again, thank you Dr. Sundine for all you have done for me. You are the best surgeon!

I gave Dr. Sundine the highest possible review in each category because he truly deserved the highest reviews on every level. I am a very well recognized lawyer on the West Coast. My firm has spent millions of dollars on television advertising in which I appear. I could not afford to have a bad facelift or even for people to notice I had a facelift at all. I interviewed many physicians including some of the “celebrity” physicians. Ultimately, I chose Dr. Sundine.