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Mother holding her son who has a cleft lip

Why choose Geisinger for cleft lip and palate care?

When your child has a cleft lip or cleft palate, you want a team that knows exactly what to do. The Geisinger Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic is one of the few approved cleft clinics in Pennsylvania, meaning your child gets specialized, coordinated care that supports their long-term health.

Their care team will include pediatric plastic surgeons, pediatric ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, pediatric dentists, speech pathologists, orthodontists, social workers and child psychologists all working together around the same goal: helping your child thrive.

From their first surgery consultation, every treatment choice is made with your child’s function and confidence in mind. And because our Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic is in central Pennsylvania, you won't have to travel far to get your child the care they need.

Treatments and procedures we offer

FAQs

What’s a cleft lip and cleft palate?

A cleft lip involves a split in the lip on one or both sides. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of your child’s mouth. Both happen when your baby’s facial structures form differently before birth. And both can be corrected. Depending on your child’s needs, a series of surgeries can restore their lip appearance and/or palate function.

What’s the difference between cleft lip and cleft palate surgery?

Cleft lip surgery is usually done when your child is between 3 and 6 months old. It’s performed by making incisions on either side of the cleft. The surgeon repairs the muscle and brings the lip together. They’ll often perform nasal surgery at the same time, if needed.

Cleft palate surgery is normally done when your child is between 9 and 12 months old. The surgeon repositions the muscles and tissues in your child’s mouth to close the cleft. Ear tubes are often placed at the same time.

Cleft lip and cleft palate surgery at Geisinger

Every child deserves the best care, including:

  • Geisinger’s Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic: Here, your child gets specialized, coordinated care that’s hard to find anywhere else in the region. Pediatric specialists will focus on your child’s day-to-day function and self-confidence as they grow.
  • The knowledge you need: Your child deserves surgeons who know cleft care inside and out. Our team brings years of experience to every procedure, and are always focused on what's right for your child.
  • Care close to home: Your family gets personalized care backed by the expertise and innovation of a nationally recognized health system without having to travel far.