Cleft Lip and Palate Care

Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital anomalies that affect the upper lip and the palate, which may cause difficulties with feeding, speech and breathing. Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi provides specialised care to treat these anomalies, helping improve the quality of life of children and young people who are affected.

What Are Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate?

• Cleft lip: A congenital anomaly affecting the upper lip, in which there is a split that may be on one side or both sides.
• Cleft palate: A congenital anomaly affecting the palate (the roof of the mouth), in which there is a split that may involve the front, the back, or both.

Symptoms

• Feeding difficulties: Children may have difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding due to the lip or palate split.
• Speech difficulties: These anomalies may affect sound production, leading to difficulty with articulation and communication.
• Breathing difficulties: Some cases of cleft palate can cause breathing difficulty due to airway obstruction.
• Hearing problems: Some affected children may experience hearing problems due to fluid build-up in the middle ear.

Why Choose SSMC?

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) provides a specialised team of plastic surgeons, ear, nose and throat surgeons, and anaesthetists with extensive experience in managing cleft lip and palate. An individualised treatment plan is designed for each patient, taking into account age, the nature of the anomalies and individual needs.

Treatment Steps

• Surgery: Surgical repair is used to close the split in the lip or palate. Some cases may require more than one operation.
• Physiotherapy: Helps improve feeding, speech and breathing functions.
• Psychological support: Psychologists provide support to patients and their families to help them adapt to the condition.

Additional Advantages

• Specialist clinical team: The medical team has wide experience and advanced skills in managing cleft lip and palate.
• Latest techniques: The most up-to-date surgical techniques are used to treat these anomalies, contributing to better outcomes.
• Comprehensive care: Comprehensive care is provided, including medical treatment, surgery, physiotherapy and psychological support.
• Supportive environment: A comfortable and reassuring environment is provided for patients and their families.

Get in Touch

SSMC in Abu Dhabi is a leading destination for the care of cleft lip and cleft palate in the region. With its specialised clinical team and extensive experience, the centre helps improve the quality of life of children and young people affected by these anomalies, supporting them to live a normal life full of hope.

Visit our website here for more information, or schedule your appointment here.