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Cleft Lip & Palate Reconstructive Surgery Performed by Boston Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Bartlett

Cleft lip and palate is a congenital deformity that affects approximately one in 800 live births. Deformities can range from a barely noticeable notch in the lip to a complete bilateral (both sides) cleft lip and palate.

Treatment Consultation

Patients who are in need of reconstructive surgery for their cleft lip and palate, or people who care for someone in need of the treatment, can schedule a consultation in our Boston office. This will allow them to learn more about the procedure and what it can offer.

The first step in the treatment of those with cleft lip/palate is a complete physical exam and careful history to determine if the child has any other health issues. Equally important is nutritional and feeding advice, particularly for children with a cleft palate since they often have difficulty sucking and may become malnourished if proper bottle and feeding techniques are not used.

Patients or parents/guardians of patients will be able to ask questions about the procedure and how they can prepare for it. A surgical treatment plan will be created, and a date will be set for the first procedure.

How Cleft Lip & Palate Treatment Works

Cleft lip reconstructive surgery is usually performed at approximately three to five months of age. Cleft palate repairs are performed between nine and twelve months of age. Patients are followed annually in the cleft lip and palate clinic. Speech therapy services and careful audiology (hearing) monitoring are also important. Many patients require secondary reconstructive surgery at various ages throughout childhood and into their teenage years depending on their individual circumstances.

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Everyone that’s ever known me has called me Mrs. Just So. In other words, I am very particular and also a perfectionist in all areas. I couldn’t have picked a better plastic surgeon. My husband and I met Dr. Bartlett and didn’t even feel that we had to get a second opinion. No one can even tell that I had this done. People will say, “Oh, I love your haircut, you look so good,” and then other people I tell will say, “Oh my god, I want his number.” They say they’ve never seen anyone look so natural. Dr. Bartlett is a perfectionist and very tedious and is an artist. He listens and cares and even called me over the weekend to see how I was doing. His entire staff is very friendly and knowledgeable as well. I would recommend Dr. Bartlett to anyone!

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Recovery After Cleft Lip and Palate Reconstruction

After the cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgery, patients will need to rest for a week. During the recovery period, patients will feel some soreness and minor discomfort around the affected area. Medication for fighting off infection and reducing pain will be prescribed, depending on the age of the patient.

Full recovery can occur between three to four weeks, after which the affected area will have fully healed. Tampering with the recently closed cleft is highly ill-advised. There must be no squeezing or application of pressure.

Treatment Costs

The cost of reconstructive procedures to deal with cleft lip and palate will depend on several factors. The patient’s age and the condition of the target area will determine the price of the treatment in Boston.

Arranging a Consultation

To schedule a consultation regarding the repair of a cleft lip and palate in Boston, schedule a consultation by contacting our office today. For more information on cleft lip and palate repair, visit the Cleft Palate Foundation website.

CALL: 617.735.1800
Contact Dr. Richard A. Bartlett

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