Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate are common birth defects known as Orofacial Clefts that form during the fourth & seventh weeks of pregnancy. According to the CDC, some 2,651 babies are born in the US each year with a Cleft Palate, while 4,437 are born with a Cleft Lip.
The impact of Cleft Lip and Palate defects are both cosmetic and physical. They can cause breathing difficulties and other sinus related issues. Due to recent advances in surgical technology & technique, these defects are not as devastating as they once were. While it may require several procedures, surgeons can now repair many of these abnormalities.
Surgical procedures, as amazing as they are, do often create scars. Scars fade over time, but at first they can appear dark and red – a result of blood vessels produced as the body kicks into overdrive with the healing process. Over time, though, a pale line will remain as the only indication that a surgery took place. Of course the child’s skin type, coloring and severity of the Cleft Palate or lip will all affect healing rate and results.
During the first few weeks after surgery, recovery is the number one priority. Once the doctor has examined the results, the child now has options available when it comes to reducing the appearance of the scar. Scar reduction surgery is an option for those who suffer from serious scarring. Surgery may help flatten and thin out the scar, making it less noticeable.
Another option is to use a topical gel such as Scarfade. This effective silicone based scar gel regulates the body’s production of collagen and helps reduce the appearance of all kinds of scars. Scarfade is safe for use by children.
Choose Scarfade for all of your scars, from cleft lip and palate to sports injuries and cuts