{"id":2209,"date":"2025-12-24T10:41:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-24T10:41:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/?page_id=2209"},"modified":"2026-10-20T14:47:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T14:47:01","slug":"cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_385185231\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n  <div id=\"page-header-554694779\" class=\"page-header-wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"page-title dark simple-title\">\n\n    \n    <div class=\"page-title-inner container align-center text-center flex-row-col medium-flex-wrap\" >\n              <div class=\"title-wrapper is-xlarge flex-col\">\n          <h1 class=\"entry-title mb-0\">\n            Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery in Ankara, Turkey          <\/h1>\n        <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"title-content flex-col\">\n        <div class=\"title-breadcrumbs pb-half pt-half\"><\/div>      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n     \n<style>\n#page-header-554694779 .page-title-inner {\n  min-height: 150px;\n}\n#page-header-554694779 .title-overlay {\n  background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);\n}\n<\/style>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_385185231 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n  background-color: #213360;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1902026474\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-250311929\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-16535097\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<p>Cleft lip and palate repairs are procedures performed to surgically close congenital openings in the oral and facial region. These anomalies can affect both aesthetic appearance and essential functions such as feeding, speech, and breathing.<\/p>\n<p>Cleft lip repair is usually performed when the baby is 3\u20136 months old. With surgical intervention, the lip muscle structure and skin contours are joined to achieve a natural appearance. The type and width of the cleft determine the technique of the operation; scars are planned to align with the lip line.<\/p>\n<p>Cleft palate repair is most commonly performed between 9 and 18 months. The goal is to separate the oral and nasal cavities to ensure normal speech and swallowing functions. The soft and hard palate regions are repaired and the muscular structure is reconstructed.<\/p>\n<p>After surgery, a multidisciplinary approach is applied with speech therapy, orthodontic treatments, and additional operations when necessary. These repairs are of critical importance for the child\u2019s social development, aesthetic appearance, and functional capacity.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>What You Need to Know<\/td>\n<td>Information<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Definition<\/td>\n<td>Cleft lip and palate repairs are procedures aimed at achieving functional and aesthetic integrity by surgically closing congenital openings that develop in the upper lip, gums, and\/or palate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Purpose<\/td>\n<td>Normalizing basic functions such as speech, feeding, and breathing; improving facial aesthetics; supporting jaw and tooth development.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Types of Clefts<\/td>\n<td>Isolated cleft lip (unilateral or bilateral), isolated cleft palate (soft or hard palate), cleft lip + palate combination, submucous cleft palate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Surgical Timing<\/td>\n<td>Lip repair is usually performed at 3 months, and palate repair is performed between 9 and 18 months. Other corrective procedures are planned according to the growth process.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Methods of Application<\/td>\n<td>Lip repair (cheiloplasty), palate repair (palatoplasty), alveolar grafting, nasal tip corrections, speech-corrective surgeries (pharyngoplasty, etc.).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Type of Anesthesia<\/td>\n<td>All procedures are performed under general anesthesia.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Operation Duration<\/td>\n<td>Varies by procedure: lip repair averages 1\u20132 hours, palate repair may take 2\u20133 hours.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Recovery Process<\/td>\n<td>A liquid diet and wound care are required in the first days. Sutures dissolve on their own. Healing is achieved within 1\u20132 weeks for the lip and within 2\u20133 weeks for the palate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Risks and Complications<\/td>\n<td>Infection, wound dehiscence, scar formation, palatal fistula (reopening), persistent speech disorder, need for revision.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Duration of Permanence<\/td>\n<td>Surgical repairs are permanent; however, in some cases, secondary corrective surgeries may be required at later ages due to growth.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Eligibility Criteria<\/td>\n<td>Infants and children with congenital cleft lip and\/or palate, whose growth and development are monitored, and whose general health status is suitable for surgery.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Preoperative Preparation<\/td>\n<td>Pediatric examination, nutritional assessment, audiological tests, orthodontic analysis, speech therapist evaluation, blood tests.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Postoperative Care<\/td>\n<td>Nutritional follow-up, wound hygiene, speech therapy, orthodontic monitoring, psychological support; multidisciplinary follow-up is required according to the growth process.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Alternative Procedures<\/td>\n<td>Non-surgical treatment is not possible; however, some orthodontic appliances and speech-language therapies may be applied as supportive measures.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Evaluation Process<\/td>\n<td>A personalized surgical plan is made by considering the type and width of the cleft, accompanying anomalies, the family\u2019s expectations, and the child\u2019s general condition.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-16535097 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -45px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1902026474 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_461641183\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1426482243\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1747784721\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner dark\" style=\"background-color:#213360;\" >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row align-middle\"  id=\"row-1181541879\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-565873294\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover border-gorsel x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_1517984455\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/DSC08566-1-533x800.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/DSC08566-1-533x800.webp 533w, https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/DSC08566-1-267x400.webp 267w, https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/DSC08566-1.webp 720w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#image_1517984455 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-565873294 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -10px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-2029698061\" class=\"col medium-8 small-12 large-8\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div id=\"text-4049570107\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<div><strong><span style=\"font-size: 110%;\">Prof. Dr. Serdar Nas\u0131r<\/span><\/strong><strong><span style=\"font-size: 63%;\"><br \/>Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-4049570107 {\n  font-size: 1.55rem;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #text-4049570107 {\n    font-size: 1.85rem;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n<p>He completed his medical education at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine in 1996 and his specialty training between 1996\u20132002 at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.<\/p>\r\n<p>Between 2002\u20132009, he worked at S\u00fcleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.<\/p>\r\n<p>Since 2009, he has been working at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He received the title of Associate Professor in 2011. In 2019, Dr. Nas\u0131r became a Professor and continues to work as a faculty member in this position.<\/p>\r\n<a href=\"\/en\/about-me\/\" class=\"button white\" style=\"border-radius:5px;\">\n\t\t<span>View More<\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-2029698061 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -10px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1747784721 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 30px 25px 0px 25px;\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n  border-radius: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_461641183 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_725422841\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1905901049\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-564821844\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/#What_is_Cleft_Lip_and_Palate_Surgery\" >What is Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/#Why_Do_Cleft_Lip_and_Palate_Occur_and_What_Is_the_Anatomical_Classification\" >Why Do Cleft Lip and Palate Occur, and What Is the Anatomical Classification?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/#What_Is_Surgical_Timing_and_the_Rule_of_Ten\" >What Is Surgical Timing and the Rule of Ten?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/#What_Are_the_Aesthetic_Goals_and_Surgical_Techniques_in_Lip_Repair\" >What Are the Aesthetic Goals and Surgical Techniques in Lip Repair?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/#Which_Methods_Are_Used_in_Cleft_Palate_Surgery\" >Which Methods Are Used in Cleft Palate Surgery?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/#What_Is_Done_in_Cases_of_Speech_Disorder_VPI\" >What Is Done in Cases of Speech Disorder (VPI)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/#When_Is_an_Alveolar_Graft_Applied_for_Teeth_and_Bone_Structure\" >When Is an Alveolar Graft Applied for Teeth and Bone Structure?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/#What_Is_the_Process_of_Rhinoplasty_and_Secondary_Rhinoplasty\" >What Is the Process of Rhinoplasty and Secondary Rhinoplasty?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/#What_Are_the_Postoperative_Care_and_Nutrition_Rules\" >What Are the Postoperative Care and Nutrition Rules?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/#Who_Is_Involved_in_the_Treatment_Team_and_How_Does_the_Process_Work\" >Who Is Involved in the Treatment Team, and How Does the Process Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/reconstructive-surgery\/cleft-lip-and-palate-surgery\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Cleft_Lip_and_Palate_Surgery\"><\/span>What is Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cleft lip and palate surgery is the procedure of repairing a congenital opening in the lip and\/or palate region using surgical methods. This surgery aims to correct feeding, speech, and breathing functions and improve facial aesthetics. It is usually performed in infancy with a specific timing plan. The treatment process requires a multidisciplinary approach and may include speech therapy and orthodontic treatments in addition to surgery.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_Cleft_Lip_and_Palate_Occur_and_What_Is_the_Anatomical_Classification\"><\/span>Why Do Cleft Lip and Palate Occur, and What Is the Anatomical Classification?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>During the baby\u2019s development in the womb, the right and left parts of the face meet in the midline to form the lip and palate. You can think of it like a zipper closing. If this fusion process is disrupted at any point, a cleft lip or cleft palate occurs. As surgeons, we do not treat every cleft the same when planning our treatment. To determine the severity and the surgical strategy, we use a system called the Veau Classification. This system provides our roadmap.<\/p>\n<p>Anatomically, we examine this condition under four main categories. The first group is the mildest; here, there is only a separation in the soft palate. From the outside, the lip is completely normal, but when the baby opens the mouth, an opening is seen in the area of the uvula. In the second group, the opening is more anterior; both the soft palate and the hard palate are affected. The third group is the scenario families most commonly encounter; it is a complete cleft that runs through the lip, gum, and palate on one side. The fourth group is the most complex; the lip and palate are cleft on both sides (right and left), and the central bony segment remains completely independent.<\/p>\n<p>The most critical detail to understand here is that the problem is not just a gap in the skin. Especially in unilateral clefts, the muscles that move the lip cannot attach to their normal positions. Normally, the muscles surrounding the mouth should form a complete ring, but in cleft lip, these muscles turn upward and attach to the base of the nose. This abnormal attachment pulls the nasal ala downward and flattens it on the cleft side. The bony segments in the gum are also rotated and deformed by this unbalanced muscular pull. Therefore, our operation is not based only on suturing the skin; it is built on repositioning the muscles correctly, correcting the nasal base, and ensuring alignment of the bony segments.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Surgical_Timing_and_the_Rule_of_Ten\"><\/span>What Is Surgical Timing and the Rule of Ten?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Families understandably want their babies to undergo surgery as soon as possible and be relieved of this condition. However, rushing in surgery can lead to long-term problems. The main reason surgery is not performed immediately after birth is to wait until the baby\u2019s physiology is mature enough to tolerate surgical stress. For lip repair, there is a globally accepted rule that we also adhere to strictly: the \u201cRule of Ten.\u201d This rule was established to ensure anesthesia safety and proper tissue healing.<\/p>\n<p>The main criteria of this rule are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The baby must be at least 10 weeks old<\/li>\n<li>Body weight must exceed 10 pounds, approximately 4.5 kilograms<\/li>\n<li>Hemoglobin level must be above 10 g\/dL<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In addition to these parameters, we also want the white blood cell count to be below a certain threshold to rule out infection risk. Meeting these criteria both minimizes risks during anesthesia and increases the speed of postoperative healing. The lip tissue of a 10-week-old baby is more defined and more shapeable than that of a newborn, which directly affects the aesthetic outcome.<\/p>\n<p>Timing for palate surgery follows a different logic. Here we must balance two opposing forces: speech development and facial bone growth. If we close the palate too early, for example in the first 3 months, speech may be excellent, but the tissue tension created by surgery can stop the growth of the upper jaw. In that case, as the child grows, the upper jaw remains too far back and the face appears flattened. Conversely, if we perform it too late, for example after age 2, the upper jaw grows comfortably, but the child learns to speak incorrectly. The brain adapts to the open palate and begins producing unusual throat-based sounds, and correcting this habit later is almost impossible. Therefore, the golden middle ground is the period just before the baby begins to form words. Generally, between 12 and 18 months is the most ideal window for palate repair.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Aesthetic_Goals_and_Surgical_Techniques_in_Lip_Repair\"><\/span>What Are the Aesthetic Goals and Surgical Techniques in Lip Repair?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In unilateral cleft lip repair, as a plastic surgeon, our goal is not simply to close the cleft. Our goal is to create a lip that looks so natural that when you look at the child\u2019s face, you would not think \u201cthere was a cleft here.\u201d To achieve this, we must reconstruct three key aesthetic details: ensuring symmetry of the two column-like lines under the nose called the philtrum, creating the lip curve known as the \u201cCupid\u2019s bow,\u201d and equalizing the fullness of the red lip line.<\/p>\n<p>The surgical techniques we use to achieve these goals have evolved over the years. The method we most frequently prefer and feel most in control of is the Millard Rotation-Advancement technique. The logic of this technique is as follows: we lengthen the shortened lip on the cleft side by rotating it downward. We then fill the gap created by this rotation by advancing healthy cheek tissue from the side. The greatest advantage of the Millard technique is that it allows the surgeon to adjust the incisions millimetrically during the operation according to the situation. In addition, the surgical scar formed with this technique is hidden within the natural philtral groove. Thus, when light hits, the scar appears like an anatomical shadow and does not draw attention.<\/p>\n<p>Another method is the Tennison-Randall, or triangular flap technique. This method is based on a more geometric plan. The lip length is increased with a triangular piece of tissue placed in the lower part of the lip. It provides very precise results mathematically, but the zig-zag scar it creates may not fully match the natural anatomical lines. While the choice of technique depends on the surgeon\u2019s experience and the baby\u2019s tissue structure, what matters most in both methods is the underlying muscle repair. By releasing the orbicularis oris muscle and suturing it end-to-end, we complete the functional ring that enables the child to whistle and blow kisses.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Methods_Are_Used_in_Cleft_Palate_Surgery\"><\/span>Which Methods Are Used in Cleft Palate Surgery?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cleft palate repair (palatoplasty) is a more technical and function-focused operation compared to lip repair. Here, physiology speaks more than aesthetics. Our goal is to separate the oral cavity from the nasal cavity and establish the mechanism called the \u201cvelopharyngeal sphincter.\u201d This mechanism allows the soft palate to lift backward and close the nasopharynx when we speak or swallow. If this closure does not occur, food comes out through the nose and the voice becomes nasal during speech.<\/p>\n<p>To provide this function, we often use the Furlow Double Opposing Z-Plasty technique. This technique is excellent for lengthening the palate and reorienting the muscles correctly. In a cleft palate, the muscles normally face the wrong direction. In the Furlow technique, we make \u201cZ\u201d-shaped incisions on both the oral and nasal surfaces of the palate. When we transpose these tissues, the palate both lengthens and the muscles shift from a horizontal position to a vertical position and interlock. In this way, the palate gains the ability to contract backward.<\/p>\n<p>In wider clefts, that is, in cases where it is difficult for the tissues to meet, we may prefer the Bardach Two-Flap technique. In this method, tissues on the sides of the palate are elevated off the bone and brought to the midline and sutured. The gaps that form on the lateral sides of the palate then heal on their own over time. This technique is very reliable for closing large openings, but its palate-lengthening potential may be somewhat less than the Furlow technique.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-564821844 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -45px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_725422841 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_9750215\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-484700789\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-615235633\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:rgb(33, 51, 96);border-radius:10px;border-width:2px 2px 2px 2px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row align-middle\"  id=\"row-2121658376\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1414811405\" class=\"col medium-8 small-12 large-8\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div id=\"text-2970363824\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<div><strong>Contact us to get information about treatments and create an appointment!<\/strong><\/div>\r\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2970363824 {\n  font-size: 1.25rem;\n  text-align: center;\n  color: #213360;\n}\n#text-2970363824 > * {\n  color: #213360;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #text-2970363824 {\n    text-align: left;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1472996754\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner text-right\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=905330852159\" class=\"button success\" style=\"border-radius:5px;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t<span>Contact via WhatsApp<\/span>\n\t<i class=\"icon-whatsapp\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/a>\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-615235633 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 30px 15px 0px 15px;\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-615235633 > .col-inner {\n    padding: 30px 20px 0px 20px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_9750215 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1794143969\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-2112380882\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1284233591\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Done_in_Cases_of_Speech_Disorder_VPI\"><\/span>What Is Done in Cases of Speech Disorder (VPI)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>No matter how successful palate surgery is, in some children the soft palate may still remain short or the muscles may not work strongly enough. In this case, when the child speaks, the soft palate cannot fully contact the back wall of the throat and air escapes into the nose. We call this \u201cVelopharyngeal Insufficiency\u201d (VPI). Families usually notice this when the child is 3\u20134 years old; the child has difficulty producing plosive sounds like \u201cp,\u201d \u201cb,\u201d and \u201ct,\u201d or the voice sounds very nasal.<\/p>\n<p>First, intensive speech therapy is tried. However, if there is an anatomical leak despite therapy, a secondary surgical intervention may be necessary. In this case, the method we most commonly use is the Pharyngeal Flap surgery. In this procedure, a strip of tissue containing muscle and mucosa is lifted from the back wall of the throat (pharynx) and sutured to the soft palate. This strip forms a bridge behind the palate, preventing air from escaping into the nose. However, this does not mean completely blocking the nose; the child can continue to breathe through the nose through openings (ports) left on the right and left of the bridge. Fine-tuning is very important here; if the openings are too large, speech does not improve, and if they are too small, the child experiences nasal obstruction and snores.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Is_an_Alveolar_Graft_Applied_for_Teeth_and_Bone_Structure\"><\/span>When Is an Alveolar Graft Applied for Teeth and Bone Structure?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In most children with cleft lip and palate, there is also a cleft in the gum (alveolus), meaning a bony deficiency. This gap usually corresponds to the area where the permanent upper canine tooth will erupt. If this gap is not filled with bone, permanent teeth cannot erupt properly, adjacent teeth tip into the space, and the integrity of the upper jaw is disrupted.<\/p>\n<p>We do not rush this repair. The ideal timing is during the mixed dentition period, when baby teeth begin to fall out and permanent teeth begin to erupt. Generally, between 8 and 11 years of age is the most suitable time. Why do we wait for this age? Because if we perform this procedure when half or two-thirds of the permanent canine\u2019s root development is complete, the tooth continues to erupt while bringing the new bone alongside it, strengthening that region.<\/p>\n<p>In this surgery, we usually use the child\u2019s own bone as the \u201cgold standard.\u201d As the donor site, we most commonly prefer the hip bone (iliac crest). The spongy structure inside the iliac crest is very rich in stem cells, and when placed into the gum defect, it adapts there rapidly. Families may fear bone harvesting from the hip, but this procedure does not prevent the child from walking; there may only be mild pain and a slight limp for a few days.<\/p>\n<p>If the cleft in the gum is very wide and seems unlikely to be closed in a single session with bone graft material, then we use the method called Distraction Osteogenesis. In this method, a screw-based device is attached to the bone segments and is turned millimeter by millimeter each day to bring the bony pieces closer together. In this way, not only the bone but also the overlying gum stretches and lengthens, allowing large gaps to be closed.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Process_of_Rhinoplasty_and_Secondary_Rhinoplasty\"><\/span>What Is the Process of Rhinoplasty and Secondary Rhinoplasty?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although we intervene on the nasal wings during cleft lip repair, as the child grows, certain nasal deformities may become more apparent. The nasal ala on the cleft side may appear more flattened, the nasal tip may be asymmetric, or breathing problems may occur due to a deviation of the internal nasal cartilage (septum).<\/p>\n<p>For definitive correction of these deformities, it is best to wait until the end of adolescence, meaning the completion of skeletal development. Around 16\u201317 for girls and 17\u201318 for boys is appropriate for \u201cSecondary Rhinoplasty.\u201d Nasal surgeries performed too early can damage growing cartilage centers and disrupt nasal development.<\/p>\n<p>Nasal surgery related to cleft lip is much more difficult than standard cosmetic rhinoplasty. This is because the basic structure we are working with is weak and there is a significant need for \u201cstructural support.\u201d To elevate the nasal framework and tip, we need to harvest cartilage from other parts of the body. Since the nasal cartilage is often insufficient, we use ear cartilage or, more frequently, rib cartilage. Rib cartilage, in particular, provides abundant and strong material. By carving this cartilage, we create L-shaped supports for the nose, elevate the collapsed nasal ala, and achieve a symmetric appearance. This surgery both addresses aesthetic concerns and enables the child to breathe comfortably.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1284233591 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -45px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1794143969 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_2095100721\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-91339571\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1850441486\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:rgb(33, 51, 96);border-radius:10px;border-width:2px 2px 2px 2px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1558595128\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-2053657484\" class=\"col medium-7 small-12 large-7\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div id=\"text-4169643310\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Contact Us!<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-4169643310 {\n  font-size: 2rem;\n  text-align: center;\n  color: #1f437b;\n}\n#text-4169643310 > * {\n  color: #1f437b;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #text-4169643310 {\n    text-align: left;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\t<div id=\"text-2305972719\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<div>Contact us to get information about treatments and create an appointment!<\/div>\r\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2305972719 {\n  font-size: 1.25rem;\n  text-align: center;\n  color: #2d304e;\n}\n#text-2305972719 > * {\n  color: #2d304e;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #text-2305972719 {\n    text-align: left;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-2053657484 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-2053657484 > .col-inner {\n    margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1506470872\" class=\"col medium-5 small-12 large-5\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\n<div class=\"wpcf7 no-js\" id=\"wpcf7-f1791-o1\" lang=\"en-US\" dir=\"ltr\" data-wpcf7-id=\"1791\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-response\"><p role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\"><\/p> <ul><\/ul><\/div>\n<form action=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2209#wpcf7-f1791-o1\" method=\"post\" class=\"wpcf7-form init\" aria-label=\"Contact form\" novalidate=\"novalidate\" data-status=\"init\">\n<fieldset class=\"hidden-fields-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7\" value=\"1791\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_version\" value=\"6.2.3\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_locale\" value=\"en_US\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_unit_tag\" value=\"wpcf7-f1791-o1\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_container_post\" value=\"0\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_posted_data_hash\" value=\"\" \/>\n<\/fieldset>\n<div class=\"randevu-form\">\n\t<div class=\"form-row\">\n\t\t<p><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"text-340\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\" autocomplete=\"name\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Full Name\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"text-340\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"tel-10\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-tel wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-tel\" autocomplete=\"name\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Phone\" value=\"\" type=\"tel\" name=\"tel-10\" \/><\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"form-full\">\n\t\t<p><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"text-342\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\" autocomplete=\"name\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Briefly write the subject\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"text-342\" \/><\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<p><button type=\"submit\">Create Appointment<\/button>\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><p style=\"display: none !important;\" class=\"akismet-fields-container\" data-prefix=\"_wpcf7_ak_\"><label>&#916;<textarea name=\"_wpcf7_ak_hp_textarea\" cols=\"45\" rows=\"8\" maxlength=\"100\"><\/textarea><\/label><input type=\"hidden\" id=\"ak_js_1\" name=\"_wpcf7_ak_js\" value=\"220\"\/><script>\ndocument.getElementById( \"ak_js_1\" ).setAttribute( \"value\", ( new Date() ).getTime() );\n<\/script>\n<\/p><div class=\"wpcf7-response-output\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1506470872 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -20px 0px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-1506470872 > .col-inner {\n    margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1850441486 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 30px 15px 0px 15px;\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-1850441486 > .col-inner {\n    padding: 30px 20px 0px 20px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_2095100721 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_198579389\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-680902715\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-119996995\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Postoperative_Care_and_Nutrition_Rules\"><\/span>What Are the Postoperative Care and Nutrition Rules?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The success of the surgery is tightly linked to the postoperative care process after leaving the operating room. Especially the first 3 weeks after lip repair are critically important. The suture lines must not be strained, must remain clean, and must be protected from trauma.<\/p>\n<p>The basic nutrition rules to be observed during this period are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A bottle should never be used for the first 3 weeks.<\/li>\n<li>Pacifier use is strictly prohibited.<\/li>\n<li>Feeding should be done with a spoon, soft cups with a cut tip, or a syringe.<\/li>\n<li>Hard foods that require chewing and could pierce the sutures (such as crackers, bread crust, chips) should be avoided.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Foods that can be consumed include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Breast milk<\/li>\n<li>Infant formula<\/li>\n<li>Yogurt<\/li>\n<li>Pureed soups<\/li>\n<li>Pudding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Another important issue is physical protection. Babies instinctively bring their hands to their mouths and may want to scratch the sutures. To prevent this, we use \u201celbow splints.\u201d These splints keep the arms straight so the child cannot reach the face with the hands. This may seem challenging for families, but this 2\u20133 week precaution determines the quality of the scar for a lifetime. For wound hygiene, regularly using the antibiotic ointments recommended by your doctor and rinsing the mouth with water after feeding minimize the risk of infection.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Is_Involved_in_the_Treatment_Team_and_How_Does_the_Process_Work\"><\/span>Who Is Involved in the Treatment Team, and How Does the Process Work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cleft lip and palate treatment is not a one-person show. Although the plastic surgeon may appear as the conductor, success comes only with the coordinated work of a multidisciplinary team. Different specialists become involved at different stages of the child\u2019s growth.<\/p>\n<p>The main team members involved in this process are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist<\/li>\n<li>Orthodontist<\/li>\n<li>Speech and Language Therapist<\/li>\n<li>Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist<\/li>\n<li>Pediatric Genetic Specialist<\/li>\n<li>Psychologist<\/li>\n<li>Pediatrician<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Follow-up generally proceeds according to the following timeline:<\/p>\n<p>Newborn Period: The family is trained on feeding. If the cleft is wide, tissues are prepared for surgery with plates (NAM) made by the orthodontist.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>3\u20136 Months: Lip repair is performed.<\/li>\n<li>6\u201318 Months: Palate repair is performed. During this period, the ENT specialist performs hearing tests and ear tubes are placed if necessary.<\/li>\n<li>2\u20135 Years: Speech therapy begins. The child\u2019s ability to produce sounds correctly is monitored. VPI surgery is planned if needed.<\/li>\n<li>7\u201311 Years: Tooth alignment is corrected with orthodontic treatment and an alveolar bone graft is performed.<\/li>\n<li>16\u201318 Years: After facial growth is complete, orthognathic surgery is performed if there is a jaw deformity, and final rhinoplasty is performed for the nose.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t<div id=\"text-626591832\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-626591832 {\n  font-size: 1.25rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<div class=\"accordion\">\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1284999920\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1284999920-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-is-cleft-lip-and-palate,-and-why-does-it-occur?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1284999920-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What is cleft lip and palate, and why does it occur?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1284999920-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1284999920-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Cleft lip and palate is a congenital anomaly that occurs when the lip and\/or palate tissues do not fully fuse during the baby\u2019s development in the womb. It develops in the first weeks of pregnancy. Genetic predisposition, certain environmental factors, medication use, nutritional deficiencies, and the mother\u2019s health status may be among the risk factors.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2689765565\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2689765565-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-when-is-cleft-lip-repair-performed?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2689765565-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>When is cleft lip repair performed?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2689765565-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2689765565-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Cleft lip repair is usually performed when the baby is 3\u20136 months old. This period is considered safe in terms of anesthesia, and early repair quickly improves lip function and aesthetic appearance.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-3493827704\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-3493827704-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-when-is-cleft-palate-repair-performed?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-3493827704-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>When is cleft palate repair performed?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-3493827704-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-3493827704-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Cleft palate surgery is most commonly performed between 9 and 18 months. The goal is to repair the palate structure before speech development begins and to prevent future speech disorders.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-3591189247\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-3591189247-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-is-speech-affected-after-these-surgeries?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-3591189247-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Is speech affected after these surgeries?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-3591189247-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-3591189247-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>After surgeries performed on time and with the correct technique, speech largely approaches normal. However, some children may need speech therapy. Rarely, palate function can be supported with additional surgeries.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2569909918\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2569909918-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-do-cleft-lip-and-palate-surgeries-leave-scars?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2569909918-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Do cleft lip and palate surgeries leave scars?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2569909918-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2569909918-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>A fine surgical scar may remain after lip repair, but with modern aesthetic surgical techniques, these scars are made as inconspicuous as possible and fade over time. In palate repair, scars remain inside the mouth and are therefore not visible from the outside.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1283804620\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1283804620-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-are-tooth-and-jaw-development-affected-in-cleft-repairs?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1283804620-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>How are tooth and jaw development affected in cleft repairs?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1283804620-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1283804620-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>In children with cleft lip and palate, tooth alignment and jaw development may be affected. Therefore, orthodontic treatments, bone graft applications, and in some cases jaw surgeries at older ages may be required.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-4217585088\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-4217585088-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-is-feeding-managed-after-cleft-repair?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-4217585088-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>How is feeding managed after cleft repair?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-4217585088-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-4217585088-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Special bottles, spoons, and feeding techniques are used before and after surgery. After palate repair, a short period of liquid- and puree-based nutrition is recommended. This process is managed safely with the guidance of the physician.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-4253286202\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-4253286202-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-until-what-age-are-these-children-followed-up?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-4253286202-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Until what age are these children followed up?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-4253286202-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-4253286202-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Children with cleft lip and palate are generally followed up until the age of 18. During this process, a multidisciplinary team consisting of plastic surgery, ENT, orthodontics, speech therapy, and psychology works together.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1193773856\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1193773856-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-are-cleft-lip-and-palate-surgeries-risky?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1193773856-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Are cleft lip and palate surgeries risky?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1193773856-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1193773856-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks. However, when these surgeries are performed in experienced centers, complication rates are low. The patient is closely monitored in terms of anesthesia, infection, and wound healing.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2814369947\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2814369947-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-do-these-repairs-affect-the-child\u2019s-psychology?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2814369947-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>How do these repairs affect the child\u2019s psychology?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2814369947-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2814369947-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Thanks to aesthetic and functional improvement, children\u2019s self-confidence increases and their adaptation to social environments becomes easier. Improvements in speech and appearance positively support psychological development.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-119996995 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -45px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_198579389 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2208,"parent":2199,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-blank.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2209","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2209","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2209"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2209\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2256,"href":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2209\/revisions\/2256"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2199"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/serdarnasir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}