Cleft lip/palate surgery

For parents, learning that your new family member has a cleft lip and/or palate can be an overwhelming experience. Early intervention is important, as is the need to be treated by a specialized surgeon as part of a multispecialty team.

Dr. Kumar is a leader in the field of cleft lip, nose and palate surgeries, and is the area’s only double board-certified, fellowship-trained craniofacial surgeon. Dr. Kumar has been caring for children with these problems for two decades and has completed hundreds of procedures. 

Dr. Kumar established the center for facial skeletal surgery and the center for pediatric craniofacial surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, respectively, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary care for cleft and craniodentofacial anomalies. Most recently, he spearheaded the development and implementation of the Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Clinic at Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah. 

The team at Pediatrix Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Savannah is dedicated to being a trusted source of knowledge and expertise, and a true advocate for your child.

Cleft lip and palate are among the most common birth defects in the United States. The incomplete formation of the upper lip (cleft lip) or roof of the mouth (cleft palate) can occur individually or both defects may occur together. The conditions can vary in severity and may involve one or both sides of the face. 

We also perform secondary cleft lip, cleft palate, rhinoplasty and VPI procedures (velopharyngeal insufficiency). These include:

• Fat grafting to the lip 
• Palate fistula repairs 
• Pharyngeal flap 
• Posterior wall augmentation 
• Spinchteroplasty
• Bone grafting (alloplastic/autologous)

If you’re expecting, or you have a baby that has been diagnosed with a cleft lip or palate, you can begin preparing immediately. Request an appointment online or call our office today.