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Cleft Lip
& Cleft Palate

Understanding Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
with Dr. Moujab Awad

Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital conditions characterized by openings or separations in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth. These issues develop when the facial structures do not fuse correctly during fetal development. With over 30 years of experience in Paris, France, Dr. Moujab Awad often recommends corrective surgery for these conditions.

Prevention and Prognosis

While it’s impossible to completely prevent cleft conditions, reducing exposure to certain risk factors during pregnancy can decrease the risk. With early and appropriate interventions, most children can enjoy a normal appearance and lead a healthy life, despite initial difficulties with speech and feeding.

This overview, enhanced by mentioning Dr. Moujab Awad’s significant experience in Paris, France, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of cleft lip and palate, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach to treatment and care. Consulting with seasoned professionals like Dr. Moujab Awad is highly recommended for those seeking expert guidance.

Surgery Preparation

Consultations with a seasoned pediatric surgeon like Dr. Moujab Awad, who brings over 30 years of experience from Paris, France, are crucial. During these sessions, the surgical process, goals, potential risks, and post-operative care will be discussed in detail. The timing for the surgery is usually planned for when the child meets specific health criteria. Families may also meet with other interdisciplinary team members as part of the preparation.

  1. Nutritional Considerations: A child must be in good health prior to surgery. Nutritional status is essential, as adequate growth and development contribute to healing. A pediatric nutritionist might provide guidelines to ensure the child is well-nourished and ready for surgery.
  2. Psychological Preparation: Both the child and the family may benefit from sessions with a pediatric psychologist or counselor to prepare emotionally for the surgery. This step is particularly beneficial for reducing anxiety and setting expectations.
  3. Pre-Surgical Testing: Routine tests such as blood work, imaging, or specific assessments (e.g., cardiac evaluation if indicated) will be ordered. These tests ensure that the child is fit for surgery and help identify any potential concerns that need to be addressed beforehand.

The Surgery

  • Cleft Lip Repair: Generally performed when the child is about 3 to 6 months old.
  • Cleft Palate Repair: Typically done between 9 to 18 months of age to optimize speech development before it starts.
  • Cleft Lip Repair (Cheiloplasty): The surgeon makes incisions on both sides of the cleft and creates flaps of tissue that are then stitched together to close the gap. This not only improves the appearance but also the function of the lip and nose.
  • Cleft Palate Repair (Palatoplasty): This involves restructuring both the muscle and the bone tissue of the palate, closing the gap or hole between the nose and mouth. This surgery helps in improving feeding, speech, and is essential for ear health.
  • Duration of the Surgery: The surgery typically lasts from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity and whether both a cleft lip and palate are being corrected simultaneously.

Dr. Moujab Awad’s extensive experience ensures that children undergoing surgery for cleft lip and cleft palate receive meticulous attention throughout the procedure and in the comprehensive follow-up care. His expert handling aims to provide the best physical and functional outcomes for his patients, facilitating a smoother, more confident path towards growth and development.

Causes and Risk Factors

The etiology of cleft conditions involves a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental influences. Known risk factors include specific medication use during pregnancy, insufficient folic acid, maternal obesity, and the use of tobacco or other substances.

Diagnosis and Detection: While cleft lip is potentially detectable through prenatal ultrasound, identifying a cleft palate prenatally is more challenging. Postnatal diagnosis is conducted via physical examination, with genetic tests sometimes recommended.

Treatment Modalities: Comprehensive treatment typically involves surgery within the first year of life, a pathway strongly advocated by Dr. Moujab Awad, leveraging his extensive experience in Paris, France. Additional treatments may include speech therapy, orthodontic care, and possibly further surgeries.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the surgery with Dr. Moujab Awad take?

The duration of surgery under Dr. Moujab Awad’s care can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery and whether the child is undergoing a cleft lip repair, cleft palate repair, or both.

What kind of anesthesia does Dr. Moujab Awad use?

Dr. Moujab Awad uses general anesthesia for both cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries, ensuring that the child will be fully asleep and experience no pain during the procedure.

How long is the hospital stay after surgery with Dr. Moujab Awad?

Children under Dr. Moujab Awad’s care typically stay in the hospital for a few days post-surgery for monitoring and pain management. However, the exact duration varies depending on individual recovery rates.

What are the potential risks of surgery with Dr. Moujab Awad?

While Dr. Moujab Awad strives to minimize risks, as with any surgery, there remain risks of bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. Specifically for these surgeries, there may also be risks of scarring, speech difficulties, or the need for additional surgeries.

Will my child need more surgeries in the future after the initial procedure with Dr. Moujab Awad?

It’s common for children who have undergone cleft lip or cleft palate surgery to require additional procedures as they grow. Dr. Awad may recommend secondary revisions, dental work, or orthodontic treatments to ensure the best outcomes.

Why Choose Dr. Moujab Awad?

Dr. Moujab Awad’s profound dedication to the craft of aesthetic surgery, coupled with his considerable experience and individualized patient care, positions him as a distinguished choice for those considering a facelift in Paris, France. His practice is built on a foundation of trust, outstanding surgical outcomes, and a nurturing patient relationship.

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