Understanding Different Types of Cleft Conditions
A cleft lip and/or palate is one of the most common birth differences in the UK, affecting around 1 in 700 babies. While a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, it is important to know that cleft conditions are treatable and, with the right care and support, children born with a cleft can thrive.
This guide explains the main types of cleft conditions, what they mean, and what happens next, so families can feel informed and reassured.
What is a Cleft Lip?
A cleft lip is a gap in the upper lip that can appear on one side (unilateral cleft lip) or on both sides (bilateral cleft lip). The size can vary from a small notch in the lip to a larger gap that extends towards the nostril.
Sometimes there is also a gap in the upper gum behind the cleft lip. This may require a separate operation when the child is older.
Surgery: Most cleft lips are repaired between 3 and 5 months of age. Gum repairs, if needed, are usually done between 8 and 11 years.
What is a Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate?
A bilateral cleft lip and palate means there are gaps on both sides of the upper lip. These gaps can also extend into the base of the nose, the gum, and the palate (roof of the mouth).
In some cases, parts of the lip, gum, or palate may be partially joined. This type of cleft often requires a staged approach to surgery.
Surgery:
Lip repair usually happens between 3 and 5 months of age
Palate repair is normally completed by around 1 year of age
Gum repair may take place between 8 and 11 years
What is a Cleft Palate?
The palate forms the roof of the mouth and separates the mouth from the nose. A cleft palate is a gap in this area, which may involve only the soft palate at the back or may extend forward into the hard, bony part of the palate.
Babies with a cleft palate may experience feeding challenges and sometimes noisy breathing when lying on their back. Advice from the cleft team can help improve comfort and feeding from the earliest days.
Surgery: A cleft palate is usually repaired before the age of one year. The exact timing will depend on the baby’s health and development and will be agreed with the surgical team.
What Happens Next?
After diagnosis, an appointment is arranged for the family to meet the Cleft Lip and Palate Team, usually within four weeks. The Clinical Nurse Specialist will provide regular home visits during the early stages of treatment.
The cleft team is there to guide families through every stage, from feeding support in the first weeks to surgery, speech therapy, and dental care in later years.