Learn More About CHKD's Cleft and Craniofacial Center

CHKD's pediatric craniofacial surgeons offer a full range of care for craniofacial anomalies and defects. When cleft lip and cleft palate are diagnosed during a prenatal ultrasound, our craniofacial reconstruction team meets with parents before the baby is born to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for the child. These prenatal consultations help you understand what to expect and prepare for your child’s birth.

Treatment plans take into account all aspects of your child’s care. Though your child won’t have surgery for a few months after birth, they will immediately need help with feeding so they can grow and thrive. Our pediatric experts teach you how to feed your child using specialized bottles and techniques.

When your child is old enough, CHKD surgeons perform cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries to repair the anomalies and improve mouth function and appearance. Your child may need more than one surgery to fully correct cleft lip and cleft palate, though it may be months or years before they have another craniofacial surgery.

As your child ages, our speech therapists help them learn to talk so they can meet their developmental milestones. From expert craniofacial reconstruction to speech therapy, CHKD provides the care your child needs.

Learn more about our Cleft and Craniofacial Center online or call (757) 668-7713 for more information.