👶 Cleft Palate Surgery in Pakistan

Restoring Speech, Feeding, and Confidence in Children

A cleft palate is a birth defect where the roof of the mouth (palate) has an opening due to incomplete development during pregnancy. This condition can severely affect speech, feeding, hearing, and facial growth. With modern surgical techniques, cleft palate repair can restore function and dramatically improve a child’s quality of life.

At Dr. Asim Durrani’s plastic surgery practice, we specialize in comprehensive cleft care—including early diagnosis, surgical correction, and long-term follow-up for optimal speech and facial development.

🧠 What Is a Cleft Palate?

The palate is divided into two parts:

Hard palate (front part of the roof of the mouth)
Soft palate (back part, closer to the throat)

In a cleft palate, one or both parts fail to join properly during fetal development, resulting in:

A visible hole in the roof of the mouth
Communication between the mouth and nasal cavity
Difficulty in feeding, speech, and proper facial growth

🔍 Causes and Risk Factors

Genetic predisposition
Maternal smoking or alcohol use
Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., folic acid)
Unknown factors in many cases

⏰ When Should Cleft Palate Surgery Be Done?

The ideal time for primary cleft palate repair (palatoplasty) is between 9 to 18 months of age, to allow:

Safe anesthesia
Adequate tissue size for closure
Timely speech development

In older children or adults with untreated clefts, delayed surgery can still be done successfully.

✨ Goals of Surgery

Close the gap in the roof of the mouth
Restore normal speech mechanics by reconstructing the muscles of the soft palate
Separate the oral and nasal cavities for proper feeding and breathing
Lay the foundation for normal dental and facial development

🏥 Surgical Overview

Done under general anesthesia
Duration: 2–3 hours, depending on severity
Techniques include:
- Von Langenbeck repair
- Furlow double opposing Z-plasty (for better speech outcomes)
- Two-flap palatoplasty
Muscle repositioning for functional speech
Sometimes combined with ear tube placement (for fluid and hearing issues)

💊 Recovery and Aftercare

Hospital stay: usually 1–2 days
Soft diet for 1–2 weeks
Avoiding objects in the mouth (no pacifiers, spoons, etc.)
Follow-up for speech therapy and hearing tests

📘 FAQ – Cleft Palate Surgery

1. What happens if cleft palate is not treated?

Untreated cleft palate can lead to:

Severe speech delays and nasal-sounding speech
Feeding problems and poor weight gain
Chronic ear infections and hearing loss
Emotional and social issues

2. Will one surgery be enough?

In many cases, a single surgery can close the cleft. However, secondary procedures may be needed later to:

Improve speech
Close small fistulas (tiny openings that may remain)
Perform alveolar bone grafting (at around age 9–11) if the gumline is affected

3. Is cleft palate surgery painful?

Children are under general anesthesia and do not feel pain during surgery. Postoperative discomfort is managed with pain relievers, and children generally recover well within 1–2 weeks.

4. Will my child be able to speak normally after surgery?

Most children develop near-normal or normal speech, especially if surgery is done early and followed by speech therapy. Some may need speech-focused revision surgery.

5. How is feeding done after surgery?

Soft, non-irritating foods are recommended. Special feeding bottles or syringes are used to avoid trauma. Breastfeeding may need to be paused temporarily.

6. Is this surgery covered under cleft charities or aid programs?

Some organizations or hospitals may offer free or subsidized cleft care. We can guide you based on your financial situation and location.

7. Can cleft palate surgery be done in adults?

Yes, though outcomes for speech and function may not be as optimal as in infants. Adult cleft repair can still significantly improve function, appearance, and quality of life.

8. How much does cleft palate surgery cost in Pakistan?

The cost depends on the complexity, age, and surgical setting. Please contact us directly for an accurate estimate and payment options.

📞 Book a Consultation

Give your child the gift of proper speech, nutrition, and confidence. Dr. Asim Durrani provides expert cleft palate care with compassion and precision.

📍 Location: [Your City], Pakistan
📱 WhatsApp: [Your Number]
📩 Instagram: [@Durrani1969]
🗓️ Book Now: [Insert Link]

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