Cleft lip and cleft palate are both maxillofacial anomalies that occur during fetal development, and the difference is mainly in the location of the lesion and the different treatment modalities.
1. Cleft lip mainly appears in the lip, the clinical manifestation is the separation of the lip to both sides, resulting in skin fissures, and usually extends to the base of the nose or the alveolar process of the palate, etc.; while cleft palate is a fissure in the palate, which can involve the hard or soft palate.
2. Cleft lip surgery is usually completed three to six months after surgery, and its treatment aims to restore the normal shape of the lip and dietary function; cleft palate is usually performed six months to eighteen months after birth, mainly to restore speech and dietary function.
It is recommended to seek prompt medical treatment for cleft lip and palate to avoid delaying the condition.