ANTALYA / Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery+90 552 180 68 19
PROF. DR.KORAY COŞKUNFIRATPLASTIC, RECONSTRUCTIVE AND AESTHETIC SURGERY Appointments
EN
CONGENITAL FACE AND EAR DIFFERENCES

Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and palate are congenital tissue junction differences. It requires long-term team follow-up, including nutrition, hearing, speech and dental development.

PATIENT INFORMATIONAbout 3 minutes readingBack to congenital face & ear topics
Prof. Dr. Koray Coşkunfırat is in the operating room, with a surgical mask and headlamp.
Prof. Dr. Koray Coşkunfırat is in the operating room.

Overview

The cleft may be present only in the lip, only in the palate, or both; It can be single or double sided. In the first period, supporting nutrition and growth is a priority. Treatment may not consist of a single surgery: lip and palate repair is planned in different stages, and hearing and speech are evaluated regularly. The child should be referred to an experienced cleft lip and palate team. Plastic surgery, pediatrics, otolaryngology, audiology, speech and language therapy, dentistry and orthodontics can work together. The schedule is determined by the characteristics of the cleft and the health status of the child. Family support and genetic counseling when necessary are also important.

What is evaluated?

  • The type of cleft, nutritional adequacy and growth are evaluated.
  • Hearing, airway and accompanying congenital findings are examined.
  • A dental development and age-appropriate speech monitoring plan is created.

Approach and options

  • Nutrition support and early family counseling are organized by an expert team.
  • Lip and palate repairs are planned in stages appropriate to the child.
  • Throughout growth, speech, hearing, orthodontics and additional repairs are evaluated when necessary.

Recovery and follow-up

Postoperative nutrition and wound protection plan is given by the pediatric team. Follow-up does not end when initial recovery is complete; Speech, hearing, teeth and jaw growth are evaluated regularly. Some children may require additional procedures. School life and family care needs are also included in the long-term support plan.

Risks and limits

  • Wound healing problem or infection
  • Asymmetry in lips and nose
  • Thick or shrinking scar
  • Breathing problems after surgery
  • Need for additional surgery or ongoing speech support

The headings here do not cover all risks. Possible benefits, alternatives and personal risks should be discussed in detail during the examination.

You can ask in the consultation

  • Which center and team will coordinate my child's care?
  • What early evaluations are needed for nutrition and hearing?
  • What possible additional treatments should we discuss throughout growth?

Resources

Access to sources: September 2026. The content has been prepared for general information purposes.

Page updated: Content and sourcesGet to know your doctor
All topics in this field
Congenital face & ear conditions

Microtia and Ear Reconstruction

Microtia is the developmental difference of the auricle; Hearing evaluation and repair of the outer ear are considered separate needs. Treatment choice is made together with the child and family.

Evaluation · Options · RecoveryFace & neck

Facelift

Face lift is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging in the cheek and jaw line by also evaluating the position of the subcutaneous tissues.

Evaluation · Options · RecoveryFace & neck

Mini Facelift

Mini facelift refers to short incision approaches used to address more limited laxity. The scope of the procedure cannot be understood from this name alone.

Evaluation · Options · Recovery

Let's talk about your questions together.

You can contact our clinic for initial evaluation and appointment information.

Contact and appointment
Call the clinic
PROF. DR. KORAY COŞKUNFIRAT