We are happy and proud to have participated in the first medical campaign for cleft lip and palate organized in the Moroccan town of Kelaa Des Sraghna located in the Marrakech-Safi region.
Our mission was above all to help these children regain their smile and ensure them better social integration.
What is a cleft lip and palate ?
It is a birth defect often known as a “harelip”. The latter is caused by a defect in the unification of the facial buds and usually affects one in 500 children at birth.
This is because a cleft lip usually forms when the baby’s lips or mouth do not form properly between the fourth and seventh week of pregnancy. This results in a small slit or large opening that crosses the upper lip into the nose. This malformation can be in the middle of the lip or on one or both sides of the lip.
As for the cleft palate, it usually forms between the sixth and ninth week of pregnancy. It results in an opening of one or two parts in front and behind the mouth.
A cleft lip and cleft palate are usually seen at birth or during pregnancy with routine ultrasound. Your doctor can treat the condition at this time.
Problems caused by cleft lip and palate
Children who suffer from a cleft lip or palate alone often suffer from breastfeeding or feeding problems, speech or hearing problems, and dental problems.
These children may also have self-esteem issues due to the visible differences between them and other children.
Treatment
The surgery for a cleft lip and palate depends on the age of the child with it, the severity of the cleft, and the presence of other birth defects or syndromes.
Surgical repair improves the appearance of a child’s face and also helps improve the development of their breathing, hearing and speech.
It is essential that the repair be carried out by experienced and qualified doctors to avoid any complications during or after the procedure and to ensure that the child is well and leads a healthy life after the procedure.
As a reminder, the renaissance center for cosmetic surgery recently participated in a medical caravan: http://chirurgie-esthetique-marrakech.com/les-demunis-au-coeur-des-preoccupations-du-centre-la-renaissance-de-chirurgie-esthetique/