Why come to China for treatment?
China has specialized 'High Volume Centers' dedicated solely to cleft treatment. Hospitals like the **Smile Angel Children's Hospital** in Beijing have performed thousands of these specific surgeries. The surgeons here are veritable artists in the field because they see more unique and complex cases in a year than many Western surgeons see in a lifetime.
Why does treatment take 18 years?
Surgery must respect the body's natural growth. Operating on the jaw or nose too early can stunt facial growth. We must wait for specific developmental milestones (tooth eruption, skeletal maturity) to perform specific interventions safely.
Will my child have normal speech?
With timely palate repair (before 18 months) and proper speech therapy, over 80% of children develop completely normal speech. For the remaining 20%, secondary procedures and therapy can achieve excellent results.
What is NAM (Nasoalveolar Molding)?
NAM is a pre-surgical orthopedic therapy used in the first few weeks of life. A custom dental plate and nasal stent gently mold the gums, lip, and nose. This makes the surgical gap smaller and often results in a better cosmetic outcome with less scar tissue.
Is the condition hereditary?
Most cases are sporadic (random) and not strictly hereditary. However, if you have one child with a cleft, the risk for a second child rises slightly (to about 2-5%). Genetic counseling is available to provide a specific risk assessment for your family.
Will there be visible scars?
Yes, there will be a scar on the lip, but skilled surgeons place it along the natural ridges of the philtrum to hide it. With time and scar management (silicone sheets, massage), the scar typically fades to a fine white line that is barely noticeable.
Can we breastfeed?
Babies with cleft lip can often breastfeed. Babies with cleft palate usually cannot generate the suction needed. They will need special feeder bottles (like the Haberman feeder) that allow them to get milk by compressing the nipple rather than sucking.
What about hearing problems?
Children with cleft palate are prone to fluid buildup in the middle ear (glue ear), which can affect hearing. Regular hearing checks are vital. Small tubes (grommets) are often inserted during the palate repair surgery to drain this fluid.
What is the most difficult stage?
For parents, the first year is the hardest due to feeding challenges and surgery anxiety. For the child, the teenage years (12-16) can be socially challenging. Having a strong family support system and connection to a cleft team is essential.
