Long-Term Transformation with Cleft Lip Correction in India
A boy with a split lip had successful treatment at Balaji Dental, Craniofacial Hospital & Research Institute. Balaji Dental is a renowned hospital for craniofacial plastic surgery in India.
The Challenge:
Born with a wide unilateral cleft lip, the boy faced both aesthetic and functional challenges. Concerned about long-term impacts on his quality of life, his family sought expert care for cleft lip repair.
Expertise in Cleft Deformity Surgery:
Balaji Dental is a renowned hospital in India. Well-known for its expertise in cleft lip and palate surgery. The hospital provided care for the boy for more than 30 years. Led by Dr. SM Balaji, a world-renowned cleft lip and palate surgeon, the team ensured optimal treatment for his complex case.
Surgical Intervention:
At 3.5 months old, the boy underwent a meticulous surgical procedure for cleft lip repair.
This involved:
- C-flap reconstruction: This advanced technique, performed by a highly skilled plastic surgeon, re-established the floor of the nose and reconstructed the nasal sill, restoring both form and function for long-term benefit.
- Bone grafting (optional): Depending on the severity of the cleft, bone grafting might be considered to provide additional structural support and enhance facial development.
- Three-layer closure: This meticulous closure technique minimized post-surgical scarring, ensuring optimal wound healing and a natural-looking result.
- Magnified precision: Using surgical magnification, the surgeon achieved perfect alignment of the orbicularis oris muscle, subcutaneous tissue, and skin, ensuring proper function and minimizing the risk of speech problems in the future.
Remarkable Outcome:
The surgery achieved an exceptional aesthetic and functional outcome. The surgeon corrected the wide cleft lip with minimal scarring, which will further fade over time. The surgery fixed the boy’s cleft lip, making him smile better and speak better. It also made his life better and helped him stay healthy in the long run.
Next Steps:
Surgeons typically perform cleft palate repair around 12 months of age to complete the comprehensive treatment plan. This second surgery will address the separation in the roof of the mouth, further improving speech and oral health.