How Does a Cleft Lip Form?

A cleft lip begins to develop early in pregnancy and is a congenital condition, which means it’s present at birth. A cleft lip is an opening or split in the lip. This video will help you understand how a cleft lip forms during an embryo’s development.

A baby’s nose, mouth, jaw and face begin to form early in pregnancy. Their formation starts with pieces called “processes,” which travel toward each other and fuse together. If the pieces don’t fuse together fully, a cleft lip can occur. The cleft (split or opening) can vary in shape and size. Our cleft lip surgeons are experts at performing surgery to close the opening formed by a cleft.

Learn more about treatment options for cleft lip and our Cleft Lip and Palate Program: https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doc...

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