BIRTH DEFECTS

Cleft Lip  
A cleft lip is a narrow opening along the upper lip that can extend all the way to the nostrils. The defect can be large or small, on one side of the face (unilateral) or both (bilateral). Oftentimes cleft lip is accompanied by cleft palate, a defect in the roof of the mouth or the soft tissues at the back of the mouth. Many cases of cleft lip present with other birth defects that may or may not be obvious.
This is a very treatable condition and in most cases the cleft lip can be repaired with reconstructive surgery in early infancy, greatly improving the child's facial appearence.

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