Hare beak - cleft lip and palate in Tunisia

Causes

Cleft lip, also known as cleft lip and palate, is a birth defect that occurs when the tissues of the face and mouth do not come together properly during fetal development. The exact causes of cleft lip are not clearly defined, but several factors may play a role, including:
Genetic Factors: Cleft lip can be inherited either autosomally dominant or recessive, meaning if one parent has this malformation, there is an increased risk that their child will also be affected.
Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as exposure to certain toxic substances during pregnancy, alcohol consumption or tobacco, or taking certain medications can increase the risk of developing cleft lip.
Lack of nutrients: Certain nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, such as lack of folic acid, can increase the risk of birth defects, including cleft lip.
Mechanical factors: Mechanical factors such as pressure or compression of the fetus in the womb may also play a role in the development of cleft lip.
In general, cleft lip is a complex congenital malformation that results from the interaction of several genetic and environmental factors.

How does it show?

A cleft lip, or cleft lip and palate, is a birth defect that can affect the upper lip, palate, and surrounding tissues. It is characterized by an abnormal separation of the tissues of the lip and/or the palate, creating a more or less important cleft.
This malformation can be detected during pregnancy during an ultrasound or when the baby is born. Visible signs of a cleft lip can include a split upper lip, an opening in the palate, and missing soft tissue and/or bone in the affected area.
If you think your child might have cleft lip, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Treatments may include reconstructive surgeries to correct the cleft and improve mouth and tongue function.

How is the diagnosis made?

Diagnosis of cleft lip (or cleft lip and palate) is usually made during a physical examination by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician, plastic surgeon or ENT specialist.
The visible signs of cleft lip can be evident from birth or within the first few weeks of life. Cleft lip can also be detected during a prenatal ultrasound.
Accurate diagnosis of cleft lip and palate may require additional examinations, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to assess the extent of the cleft and its relationship to underlying structures.
It is important to diagnose cleft lip early to allow early management and avoid potential complications, such as eating and speech disorders, as well as ear infections.

How to take care of hare beak?

Cleft lip is a birth defect that can affect a person's upper lip, palate, and nose. If you or someone you know has cleft lip, it's important to take care of the affected area to avoid infection and to help prevent further complications.
Here are some tips for caring for cleft lip:
Clean the affected area regularly with warm water and mild soap to prevent bacteria buildup.
Use moisturizer to keep the skin around the affected area soft and hydrated.
Avoid touching or scratching the affected area to avoid irritation or infection.
If you wear dentures, make sure they fit properly to avoid irritation or pressure on the affected area.
Visit your doctor or dentist regularly to check the progression of the deformity and to discuss any further treatment needed.
It is also important to remember that cleft lip can impact speech and breathing, it may be beneficial to work with a speech therapist or speech therapy specialist to help improve communication and respiratory function.

Age to have surgery?

Surgical treatment is often recommended to correct this condition, but the optimal age for the operation can vary depending on several factors.
In general, surgeons recommend performing the cleft lip correction operation in the first months of an infant's life, ideally between 3 and 6 months. This allows the condition to be corrected before the child begins to develop spoken language and to avoid any speech difficulties.
However, in some cases the operation may be postponed until the child is older, usually between 1 and 2 years old, to allow for better tissue growth and development. Older children may also understand the operation better and be more cooperative with postoperative care.
Ultimately, the decision to operate on a child with cleft lip will depend on several factors, including the general health of the child, the extent of the deformity, the age of the child child and the recommendations of the surgeon and the medical team.

The surgical intervention

Cleft lip surgery, also known as cleft lip, is a surgical procedure that aims to correct the birth defect of cleft lip and cleft palate. This anomaly occurs when the tissue that forms the face and palate does not fuse properly during embryonic development, leaving an opening in the upper lip and/or palate.
The surgical intervention is generally carried out in several stages to correct the cleft lip and/or palate. The first step is often an operation to close the cleft lip. This can be done from the first months of the baby's life, usually between 3 and 6 months.
The second stage of the procedure consists of correcting the cleft palate, which can be performed between the age of 6 and 18 months. This intervention aims to close the cleft in the palate and improve the child's function for speech and nutrition.
Additional procedures may be needed to correct other problems, such as jaw growth problems or slurred speech.
It is important to emphasize that cleft lip surgery must be followed by regular medical follow-up to ensure that the child is developing normally and to treat any other health problems that may arise.

The postoperative

Postoperative cleft lip can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery. Here are some things to consider:
Pain and discomfort: After surgery, your child may experience pain and discomfort. The doctor will prescribe medication to relieve pain and discomfort.
Feeding: In the first days after surgery, the child will probably have difficulty feeding. The doctor will give you advice on how to feed your child, such as choosing soft and liquid foods.
Wound Care: It is important to follow the doctor's instructions for wound care. This may include regular cleanings and dressing changes.
Activities: Your child will need to avoid strenuous physical activity and violent play for some time after surgery.
Medical follow-up: Your child should be seen regularly by the doctor to monitor his recovery and his development.
It is important to note that every child is different and the postoperative may vary from child to child. It is therefore important to follow the doctor's instructions and to communicate with him if you have any concerns or questions.

The prognosis

The prognosis for cleft lip surgery depends on many factors, including the severity of the malformation, the age of the patient, the presence of other craniofacial abnormalities, and the quality of the surgical and medical team involved in the procedure. the treatment.
In general, cleft lip surgery is an effective treatment that can significantly improve the appearance and function of the lips, mouth, and nose. The results of the surgery, however, depend on the complexity of the malformation. In the simplest cases, a single operation may be enough to correct the malformation. In more complex cases, several surgeries may be necessary to obtain a satisfactory result.
The prognosis can also be influenced by other factors, such as postoperative care, the patient's ability to follow the doctor's instructions and participate in rehabilitation and therapy, and the presence of other diseases or medical conditions.
In general, the prognoses of cleft lip surgery are positive and the results can be very satisfactory, especially if the treatment is carried out by a team of qualified and experienced professionals. However, each case is unique and requires individual assessment to determine the specific prognosis.