Cleft Lip

Cleft lip is one of the most common birth defects, and it sometimes occurs as a result of a woman's use of drugs during pregnancy. However, most cases of cleft lip are idiopathic; that is, the cause is not known or identifiable. Usually, the cleft lip is observable at birth, and it can sometimes be identified before birth, by ultrasound.

A cleft lip can take a variety of forms. It may be just a small notch in the upper lip, or the cleft (a split) can extend from the upper lip clear through the upper gum and the palate, into the bottom of the nose. There is a 'hidden' form of cleft lip in which the cleft exists only in the muscles of the soft palate at the back of the mouth. In any form, the cleft lip will need to be corrected so that the baby can eat, breathe and speak normally, and to create a normal appearance.

Causes of Cleft Lip

When a baby is born with a cleft lip, his or her facial structure did not close completely during prenatal development; the first two months of gestation are the time when the fetal tissues of the lips and palate form. Cleft lip is a congenital birth defect — it's present at birth (even the hidden form).

It's thought that most cases of cleft lip are the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The exact gene(s) haven't been determined yet, but a father or mother may pass on the gene that makes their offspring more likely to have a cleft lip. In addition, the following may contribute:

• race: Asian and American Indian children are most at risk
• family history
• gender: males are more than twice as likely to be born with a cleft lip
• maternal obesity presents a slightly increased risk

The environmental factors that can contribute to cleft lip include:

• smoking
• alcohol intake
• illicit drugs
• some prescription drugs
• some viruses

Cleft Lip Surgery

A cleft lip can usually be completely corrected, with surgery. The type of surgery depends on the form and degree of cleft lip, and on whether a cleft palate and/or other defects are present. For example, to close a cleft lip, incisions may be made on either side of the cleft, creating two flaps of tissue that are sewn together, closing the cleft lip.

Complications

The possible complications of surgery for cleft lip include:

• puckering of scars
• poor healing
• infection
• damage to nerves, blood vessels or other structures (temporary or permanent)
• bleeding

Was Your Baby Born with Cleft Lip?

If your baby is born with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate, you may be entitled to compensation. To find out if you qualify to file a birth defect lawsuit, contact us today. Our birth defect lawyers are qualified in this area of law and can help you get the compensation you need to make sure your baby gets the best treatment available. Call today to schedule a free review of your case.