Secondary Cleft Treatment

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Secondary Cleft Treatment

SECONDARY CLEFT TREATMENT

Many adults cleft deformities have not had the benefit of being treated with the modern techniques described in this booklet. To help these individuals, may surgical techniques are available to improve their appearances and / or to achieve better speech production. One is never too old to benefit from recent advancements in the multidisciplinary management of clefts.

Distraction Surgery

The latest development in correcting the facial skeletal framework is by using devices known as Distractors. These devices work by incrementally pulling or pushing the bone 1mm at a time over a period of two to three weeks. This slow increase in bone width will result in fresh bone forming in the gap created while the distraction is going on.

Secondary Correction of the Lip Deformity

This surgery can be performed at any age and will benefit the patient aesthetically and functionally. Among the surgical procedures that may be used to correct secondary lip deformities, it is important to mention the Abbe flap procedure. It may be necessary for people who have a tight upper lip and who do not wish to undergo maxillary advancement surgery. This operation helps to relieve lip tightness which may be present after advancement procedures. It also increase the fullness and length of the upper lip by moving a portion of the lower lip tissue into the center of the upper lip. At the same time, surgery may be helpful in lengthening a short columella.

Secondary Surgery of the Palate

Careful evaluation by a highly experienced plastic surgeon and by a speech pathologist may determine the possibility of performing palatal surgery to achieve complete closure of the palatal defect and, at the same time, to retain normal speech production.
Individuals who have had cleft palate surgery, but have palatal fistulas, may have the fistulas closed at any time in life. At an older age, palatal fistulas present a serious nuisance and can be closed with a prosthesis to avoid fluid leakage and to keep food from entering the nasal cavity. Fistulas may also affect speech production.

Surgery for Improvement of Speech

Surgical procedures such as pharyngeal flap or pharyngoplasty can correct long-standing cases of velopharyngeal insufficiency. Combined with intensive speech therapy, even adults can achieve more normal speech.

Orthognathic Surgery

Surgery on the jaws (orthognatic surgery) can help to reduce the flattening of the face which is characteristic of severe cleft deformity. By using modern osteotomy techniques along with bone and cartilage grafts, the upper and lower jaws and facial skeletal framework are moved and appropriately reconstructed. Presurgical orthodontic treatment is usually recommended.

Other Therapies

A Number of surgical, orthodontic and speech related therapies are available to adults who desire additional treatment. In addition, psychological and social consultations can help people deal with the impact of cleft lip and/or palate problems.
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