Cleft Lip

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate occurs in about 1 out of 700 live births. The condition may affect either the right side, the left side, or both sides. The cleft may either be complete (full vertical height of the lip) or incomplete. In most cases of cleft lip, there is an associated cleft of the palate. The cleft may cause difficulties with feeding, speech, breathing, dentition, and growth.

Dr. Sundine is a member of the Cleft/Craniofacial Team at the Children's Hospital of Orange County and works with the other members of the team to ensure the optimal outcome for patients with a cleft lip.

The repair of the lip is typically performed at approximately 3 months following the child's birth. The repair of the lip is also associated with an aggressive repair of the cleft nasal deformity. Dr. Sundine routinely uses nasal splints postoperatively to reduce scar contracture that may affect the appearance of the nose. One week postoperatively the patient is returned to the operating room for a brief suture removal under anesthesia.

Dr. Sundine has had a longstanding interest in the treatment of complex congenital deformities in children. In addition to his extensive plastic surgery training, he also completed a fellowship in craniomaxillofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Sundine is the Medical Director of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at the Children's Hospital of Orange County. He actively participates in the Cleft/Craniofacial Team at the Children's Hospital.