Congenital Anomalies

           Cleft lip and cleft palate which can also occur together as cleft lip and palate, are variations of a type of clefting congenital deformity caused by abnormal facial development during gestation. A cleft is a fissure or opening—a gap. It is the non-fusion of the body's natural structures that form before birth. A cleft lip or palate can be successfully treated with plastic surgery, especially so if conducted soon after birth or in early childhood.

           Syndactyly is a condition where two or more digits are fused together. Syndactyly is the most common congenital malformation of the limbs. Unreleased syndactyly can significantly impair finger and hand function. Syndactyly requires surgical intervention. Full-term infants can be scheduled for elective plastic surgery procedures as early as 5 or 6 months of age.