Many patients with cleft lip and palate have a small upper jaw which gives a very abnormal shape to the face. This becomes obvious as the person grows and is most noticeable by the age of 15 years and beyond. This gives the face a concave appearance where the middle of the face is more deeply set as compared to rest of the face and upper jaw teeth are located behind the lower jaw teeth. The right time to treat these cases is after the age of 15 years. Surgery required for this is called orthognathic surgery and is best done in association with an orthodontist who will realign the teeth when the jaw is brought forward by the surgeon.
M.B.B.S., M.S., MCh. (Plastic Surgery) Senior Consultant Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery. ( Omit gen surgery)
