Cleft lip is a congenital split in the upper lip, which may be unilateral or bilateral and may extend up towards the nostril.
Cleft palate is a defect in the hard or soft palate at the roof of the mouth, leaving an opening between the mouth and the nasal cavity. Cleft lip and cleft palate can occur together or separately.
Most cases of cleft lip and cleft palate occur randomly. Having a relative with cleft lip or palate makes it slightly more likely. However, it does not follow a traditional inheritance pattern. A minority are associated with an underlying syndrome or other congenital anomalies.
Management
Patients should be referred to the local cleft lip service. This involves the specialist multi-disciplinary team:
- Specialist nurses to support and coordinate care
- Plastic, maxillofacial and ENT surgeons
- Dentists
- Speech and language therapists
- Psychologists
The initial priority is to ensure the baby can eat and drink. This may involve specially shaped bottles and teats. The specialist nurse will follow the child up through surgery and beyond to ensure good development.
The definitive treatment is surgical correction of the cleft lip or palate. This leaves a subtle scar but is generally very successful, providing full functionality for the child. Cleft lip repair is usually performed at around 3–6 months, and cleft palate repair at around 6–12 months.
Complications
Cleft lip or cleft palate can lead to significant problems with feeding, swallowing and speech. It can also have significant psychosocial implications, including affecting bonding between mother and child.
Surgery is usually very successful, but children often need long-term multidisciplinary follow-up for speech, hearing, dental development and psychosocial support. Children with cleft palates can be more prone to hearing problems, ear infections and glue ear.
Last updated June 2026
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