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What is Cleft Lip?

A cleft lip happens when the tissue forming the lip does not join completely before birth. The result is an opening in the upper lip.

 

Patients with cleft lip can vary:

  • in size, ranging from a small notch to a large opening that extends into the nose

 
 

  • in location (also called laterality), appearing on one side (unilateral) or on both sides (bilateral)

 
 

  • in the additional presence of a cleft palate, which is an opening in the roof of the mouth.

 
 


Quick Facts About Cleft Lip

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Cleft lip and palate is the most common congenital anomaly of the head and face, affecting around 1 in 700 newborns in the U.S. each year.

Cleft lip and palate is the most common congenital anomaly of the head and face, affecting around 1 in 700 newborns in the U.S. each year.

Using ultrasound, cleft lip may be detected beginning around the 13th week of pregnancy; cleft palate may be harder to identify.

Using ultrasound, cleft lip may be detected beginning around the 13th week of pregnancy; cleft palate may be harder to identify.

9 of 10 patients with cleft lip have a unilateral (one-sided) cleft. It is twice as common on the left side as it is on the right.

9 of 10 patients with cleft lip have a unilateral (one-sided) cleft. It is twice as common on the left side as it is on the right.

In addition to surgical repair, patients should receive specialized care by a cleft team to address potential dental, speech, and feeding needs.

In addition to surgical repair, patients should receive specialized care by a cleft team to address potential dental, speech, and feeding needs.