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PLASTIC SURGERY
CENTER
Diagnosed with cleft lip
and cleft palate,
corrected with plastic surgery
But in the two years since he was born
with a
cleft lip and palate,
Matthew has made striking improvements in his feeding, speech and
appearance, without losing his adventurous spirit.
Matthew’s congenital condition affected
his nose, teeth and ears as well as his lip and palate. When Matthew
was born, his pediatrician at a Houston-area hospital immediately
recommended Texas Children’s
plastic surgery services to Matthew’s
parents, Sonia and Daniel.
Dr. Samuel Stal
evaluated Matthew. “The doctors said it was a very severe case, but
Dr. Stal made me feel calmer because he had seen so many others like
it before,” said Sonia.
Because a cleft deformity doesn’t allow
for regular nursing, an infant with the condition requires
specialized feeding equipment and dietary assistance. Also, the
cleft palate child may suck in air through the cleft, causing colic.
At Texas Children’s, Matthew’s parents received specially designed
Haberman bottles to use for feeding Matthew.
Before he was 2 months old, Matthew was
treated with a removable orthodontic appliance that helped close the
cleft, restore his gums and allow his baby teeth to grow in
straight. As he wore the appliance around the clock for about eight
months, the gap in his palate closed completely.
Then, because Matthew’s gum line did
not close, the team’s orthodontist treated Matthew with another
innovative appliance that could be adjusted at home with a key. By
18 months old, Matthew had undergone three surgeries on his lip and
palate and two procedures to combat fluid in his ears.
Matthew is now working with a speech
therapist to improve his speaking skills. A huge fan of the
television show Blue’s Clues, he’s curious, active and keeps his
mother very busy.
“Texas Children’s has made all the
difference for Matthew. Now he’s just like any other adorable
2-year-old,” said Sonia.
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