Cleft lip and palate are some of the most common congenital defects, with a prevalence that has been estimated to occur in 1 in 600 live births globally. However, fortunately, advancements in medical technology and knowledge by professional surgeons have made such defects quite correctable.
For those in need of the best hospitals providing treatments for cleft lip and palate, we suggest considering Saraswat Hospital in Agra, India, where we provide absolutely free surgeries for patients with cleft lip and palate.
What Are Cleft Lip and Palate?
A cleft lip is an opening in the upper lip of the mouth, which ranges from a small to a large cut that extends into the nose. But a common condition is a cleft palate, which refers to a “hole or opening in the roof of the mouth, either in the hard or soft parts of the upper jaw.” Sometimes, both are present, and this can be the case with the child at birth. The acuteness and combination of these conditions can vary widely from one child to another.
Causes of Cleft Lip and Palate
The causes of cleft lip and palate are not completely known, but some research points to genetic and environmental factors. These factors distort the normal development of facial anatomy during the 6th to 11th week of pregnancy. Here are some of the primary factors that cause cleft lip and palate :
1. Genetic Factors
Genes are an important factor in cleft lip and palate. If a parent or any sibling historically had a cleft, then the chances of occurrence increase. There are certain syndromes, like Van der Woude syndrome or Pierre Robin sequence, that inherit these conditions.
2. Environmental Triggers
Another important factor is the environmental factor, which influences the risk during pregnancy. These include:
- Maternal smoking or alcohol use: Smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to cleft lip and palate.
- Medications: Some medicines, like anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin), increase the risk.
- Nutritional deficiencies: The absence of essential nutrients in your diet is generally related to cleft formation.
- Diabetes: Women with badly managed diabetes before or during pregnancy have a risk of having a baby with a cleft.
3. Unknown Factors
In some cases, the cause of cleft lip and palate remains unidentified, and the condition emerges instinctively. However, researchers continue to explore the unknown factors to understand and prevent cleft lip and palate.
Free Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment
Saraswat Hospital has established a stellar reputation as the best cleft lip and palate hospital. The dedication to providing world-class care at no cost to all the children in need separates us from all the other institutions. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Satya Saraswat and Dr. Preeti Saraswat, the hospital has changed the lives of over 13,000+ patients through free treatment. Saraswat Hospital believes in serving humanity, particularly those who cannot afford expensive medical procedures.
Meet the Experts: Dr. Satya Saraswat and Dr. Preeti Saraswat
The other reason for the success of Saraswat Hospital is its founders, Dr. Satya Saraswat and Dr. Preeti Saraswat, two accomplished and certified surgeons with impeccable credentials. Dr. Satya Saraswat is the Gold Medalist in Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery and is the Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS) and an International Member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). His areas of interest are not only hair restoration but also reconstructive surgeries like cleft lip and palate.
Saraswat Hospital is accredited by Smile Train, the World’s largest cleft charity organization, as Dr. Saraswat has been performing cleft lip and palate surgeries free of cost for over a decade.
Dr. Preeti Saraswat complements Dr. Satya Saraswat with her professionalism. She holds an MBBS degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cosmetology from the University of Greifswald, Germany, and is an associate member of ISHRS. Together, they offer more than 20+ years of combined experience at the operating table, which means every patient under their care receives exceptional service.
What Makes Saraswat Hospital the Best Cleft Lip and Palate Hospital?
- Comprehensive Care: We provide complete care to all patients, covering nutritional and post-operative guidance.
- Advanced Technology: The hospital is equipped with advanced and cutting-edge medical equipment that enables safe and effective treatment and minimizes the recovery time to give natural-looking results.
- Charitable Mission: The mission of providing free cleft lip and palate repairs makes our institution stand out from other organizations.
- Proven Track Record: The level of quality delivered does not require any certification in the form of awards or recognitions in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery.
Saraswat Hospital’s Outreach Program
Saraswat Hospital goes against traditional healthcare by reaching out to all the needy children and families. The hospital directs various dedicated teams to several locations across India to look for children with cleft lip and palate, making sure no child is left behind due to a lack of access or awareness. After identifying the children, the teams brought them under the hospital’s sensitive care, where children get free treatment. This outreach program is running to bring happiness to thousands of children and their families, irrespective of their socio-economic background.
The Impact of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery
Anyone familiar with cleft lip and palate knows its impact and the challenges it can cause. Newborn babies generally face problems with feeding, and the result is malnutrition; on the other hand, older children may experience speech difficulties. Therefore, surgery at the right time—typically a minimum of 3 months for cleft lip and a minimum of 9 months for cleft palate can address these issues effectively.
Conclusion
In the field of cleft lip and palate, Saraswat Hospital stands out as a guiding force and a true leader with its history and proven track record. With the latest technology and evolution in the medical field, cleft lip and palate are treatable. If you or someone known to you is looking for the treatment of their children, Saraswat Hospital is a place where we provide free treatment that transforms the lives of children and their families. Book an appointment or contact us at +917817851199 to get the best treatment.
FAQs
1. Can we prevent cleft lip and palate?
Although not all cases can be prevented, ensuring complete nutrition and avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy reduces the risk.
2. Is a cleft lip or palate hereditary?
Yes, genetic factors play a major role in the formation of cleft lip and palate.
3. Do all babies with a cleft palate need surgery?
Yes, most babies need surgery, as it is the primary option to close the gap and restore function.
4. How long does cleft palate surgery take?
The surgery for a cleft palate generally takes 2-3 hours, followed by a recovery period.
5. Will my child have a speech problem after surgery?
In some cases, children need speech therapy; however, most children develop normal speech after treatment.
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