Cleft Lip/Palate

What is Cleft Lip/Palate?

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth abnormalities of the mouth and lip. They occur early in pregnancy, when the sides of the lip and the roof of the mouth do not fuse together as they should. Most babies born with cleft lip or cleft palate are otherwise healthy with no other birth defects or genetic problems.

A child can have cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. Cleft lip and cleft palate together are more common in children assigned male at birth.

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Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Center

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UR Medicine's Treatments for Cleft Lip/Palate

Cleft Care Before Birth

If a cleft lip is found prenatally at another hospital or by your obstetrical provider, you may be referred to UR Medicine's Maternal-Fetal Medicine team.

It is important to note that while cleft lip is often, but not always found before birth, cleft palate is often diagnosed after birth as the palate is much more difficult to visualize prenatally.

We also offer the opportunity to meet with our cleft surgery pediatric nurse practitioner before birth to discuss our care pathway, feeding strategies, and to learn about the general timeline of care for your child.

Cleft Care After Birth

Once your baby is born, the Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Center team will take over care and provide the necessary treatments.

What Sets Us Apart?

The Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Center at UR Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital offers the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region's only center dedicated to the needs and treatment of children born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other craniofacial anomalies.