You may notice changes to this website as we work to make it easier to use.

Cleft lip and cleft palate

Oral-facial clefts are birth defects in which the tissues of the mouth or lip don't form properly during fetal development. However, both cleft lip and cleft palate are treatable birth defects, and most children born with either or both of these conditions can have reconstructive surgery while they're still infants to correct the defect and significantly improve their facial appearance.

In an emergency

If you are in an emergency situation, call 000

Health advice

Get qualified health advice 24/7 for the cost of a local call: 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)