Cleft Lip :
Cleft Lip also called as hare lip is a developmental disorder which has an abnormal opening at the upper lip that extends towards the nose. It is one type of birth defect and the exact cause of cleft lip is not known. Probable risk factors that may involve in causing cleft lip are related to mother like obesity, diabetes, elderly age of mother, certain anti epileptic medicine, smoking during pregnancy. If the cleft is present including the roof of mouth then it is called cleft palate, both cleft lip and cleft palate usually co exist.
It can be diagnosed as early as during intra uterine period through ultrasound scanning. This cleft lip may cause difficulty in feeding, speech disorders, dental problems, frequent ear infections, hearing impairment and several psychological issues. Treatment include surgical repair of cleft lip by the age of 3- 6 months, cleft palate can be corrected by surgery before the age of 12 months. Followup surgeries like reconstruction surgery may be needed to improve the appearance.