The Causes of Cleft Palate and the Effects of Plastic Surgery

The causes of cleft palate are still somewhat mysterious. While the causes of cleft palate are for the most part unknown, the process by which the cleft occurs is understood. There is some indication that the cause is genetic, but also evidence to support that it is random. During fetal development, the lip and roof of the mouth grow around the face and in normal circumstances join together. In cases of cleft lip and cleft palate, this fusion never completes. The effects of plastic surgery for cleft lip and cleft palate are the closure of the gap and the reconstruction of the face.

The effects of plastic surgery are not only aesthetic, but also medically important. Children with a cleft palate often have trouble with eating and with speech. Babies may have trouble forming a vacuum to suck in which case a special bottle or dental plate is required. 

Hypotheses about the causes of cleft palate include genetics and the use of certain drugs during pregnancy including anticonvulsives, benzodiazepines, and corticosteroids. Whether or not these drugs are the causes of cleft palate are not entirely certain. 

The effects of plastic surgery however, are that the face and mouth can be almost completely restored through a series of procedures. The cleft lip is often closed beginning at around 3 months while the cleft palate is repaired at around 6 months of age or later. Other effects of plastic surgery for those with cleft palate and lip include a life free of rejection and social ostracism. 

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