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Cleft Lip

 

Cleft lip is the opening of the upper lip or palate. It is a facial structure that is a result of under development of the baby. It is one of the most common birth defects but is also associated with many inherited genetic conditions or syndromes. 


Usually, cleft lip is easily identifiable at birth. It is easily fixed with a few surgical procedures which leaves minimal scarring on the patient, he/she can proceed to live a normal life.


During birth, tissue on the baby’s face fuse together to form a complete upper lip, this occurs 2-3 months into pregnancy. For babies with cleft lip, this fusion does not occur properly, or at all.


Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cleft-palate/symptoms-causes/syc-20370985

https://www.google.com.sg/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjnm5m8u4LwAhUSeisKHRYPDoIQFjAVegQIJhAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhs.uk%2Fconditions%2Fcleft-lip-and-palate%2F&usg=AOvVaw1ezc2D7-BU3s5lapPhlHhH



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