Complications

What does it mean to be a child with an untreated cleft?

Living with an untreated cleft means facing daily physical, emotional, and social challenges that no child should endure. Children with untreated cleft lip or palate often struggle with basic functions such as eating, speaking, and breathing, which can lead to malnutrition, frequent infections, and delayed development.

Beyond health issues, these children may experience social isolation, bullying, and loss of self-confidence due to facial differences and speech difficulties. Without treatment, the condition can limit educational opportunities and affect emotional well-being well into adulthood. Timely cleft care not only corrects a physical condition—it restores dignity, confidence, and the chance for a healthier, more inclusive life.