Simple to complex cleft issues
The cleft and craniofacial clinic at Children’s Minnesota welcomes babies, children, teens and even young adults with simple to complex conditions, including:
Cleft lip
Cleft lip is an opening in the upper lip. Learn more about cleft lip surgery treatment.
Cleft palate
Cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth that forms before birth. Learn more about cleft palate surgery treatment.
Craniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis is a premature fusion of the bones of an infant’s skull. Learn more about craniosynostosis treatment.
Facial asymmetry
Facial asymmetry are features on a child’s face that are out of balance.
Oculoauriculovertebral (OAV) syndrome
Oculoauriculovertebral (OAV) syndrome is a condition that affects the head, neck and spine. Many children with OAV also have microtia. Learn more about microtia here.
Robin sequence
The Robin sequence is a condition that involves the lower jaw and a cleft palate. Learn more about jaw distraction here.
Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly, or abnormal head shape. Learn more about plagiocephaly treatment.
Submucous cleft palate
Submucous cleft palate, is a type of cleft palate.
Torticollis
Torticollis is a neck deformity. Learn more about torticollis.
Treacher Collins syndrome
Treacher Collins syndrome is a condition that affects facial bones and tissues.
22q11.2 deletion/ Velocardiofacial Syndrome/ DiGeorge Syndrome
22q11.2 deletion/ Velocardiofacial Syndrome/ DiGeorge Syndrome, a complex condition that may include cleft palate, heart defects and distinct facial features and appearance.
Other conditions that impact craniofacial development.
Specialized cleft treatment
- Surgical repair of cleft lip and cleft palate.
- Longitudinal dental and orthodontic consultation for management of complex dental issues that often accompany cleft and craniofacial conditions.
- Jaw (orthognathic) surgery if needed.
- Specialized speech and language evaluation and treatment.
- Psychosocial support services.
- Audiology evaluation and hearing aid fitting and programming when needed.
- Facial plastic and craniofacial surgery.
Our cleft lip and palate clinic
Our Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic provides coordinated, long‑term care for children with cleft lip and/or palate, from infancy through young adulthood.
The first year: We will partner closely with parents and meet babies born with cleft lip and/or palate in the first few weeks of life to help ensure that the baby is feeding well and to establish a surgical plan for the first year. We recommend frequent weight checks for the first few months, and we support families with frequent follow‑up phone calls. Most children will have their lip and palate repaired, and ear tubes placed, before their first birthday.
After the first year: Our multidisciplinary Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic follows patients from toddlerhood through young adulthood for concerns related to clefting, including lip and nose appearance, speech, hearing, and dentition. Clinic visits are typically full‑day evaluations. Families leave the clinic with a plan in place for the next year, and potentially for years to come.
The Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic is offered at our Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses.
