Cleft Lip
and Palate
in Polson
Cleft lip and palate are common birth defects that can affect a child's looks and how they eat, hear, speak, and develop.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Stephen Hardy can use advanced cosmetic surgery techniques to repair this condition. Learn how Dr. Hardy can correct your child's issues at his surgical center in Polson, MT.
Dramatic Cleft Repair from Our World-Class Surgeon
How Can Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery Help My Child? This Procedure...
- Restores a normal appearance
- Improves breathing, feeding, and speaking
- Can support psychological development
- Enhances self-esteem as your child grows
- Improves the development of the mouth and teeth
- Reduces risk of severe ear infections and hearing loss
- Decreases the chances of orthodontic or dental problems
If your child was born with a cleft palate or lip, reach out to our reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon as soon as possible; early treatment can make a difference in your child's life. Dr. Hardy and our warm, welcoming staff provide exceptional cleft palate treatment at our plastic surgery office in Polson, MT.
A Passion for Pediatric Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Hardy has a strong passion for pediatric surgery. In fact, pediatric surgery is the reason why he wanted to be a plastic surgeon. The ability to be able to repair and restore normal function of a child’s mouth through cleft lip and palate surgery is an extremely rewarding experience. He has participated in many volunteer surgical missions to countries such as Nepal, Guatemala, Cuba, and Kazakhstan to help children with cleft lips and palates.
Choose an Understanding, Experienced Doctor for Your Child's Cleft Repair Surgery
When your child is born with a birth defect, you may feel scared or uncertain. As a parent, you want to do all that you can to help them.
Our caring surgeon, Dr. Stephen P. Hardy, is here to guide you and your family through the process. He has helped numerous families and their children with cleft palate and cleft lip treatment in Polson.
Dr. Hardy is affiliated with the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). You and your family can trust him to resolve your child's upper lip or soft palate cleft and provide an overview of the cleft repair procedure.
To begin your child's cleft repair treatment, reach out to our Polson, MT, office or call:
(406) 728-3811
High Praise From Polson Cleft Lip Patients “He’s the reason why I’m comfortable with my looks today.”
Renee Wyman
2021
Dr. Hardy and his staff are phenomenal. My son was born with a cleft lip and palate and has had multiple surgeries and I couldn’t have asked for a better doctor for him!
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Laker Flores
2020
I can’t express how grateful I am for Dr. Hardy. I was born with a cleft lip and palate and he has done work on me since I was a baby. Ever surgeon/doctor I’ve ever met has told me that I have the best results they have ever seen with a cleft lip. Surgeons have praised his work and I’ve been told by multiple plastic surgeons that they don’t want to touch my face because the work that has been done is remarkable. I wouldn’t of wanted any other surgeon, he’s the reason why I’m comfortable with my looks today.
View on GoogleInsurance Coverage for Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Treatment
Your insurance will likely cover at least some of the costs of cleft lip and cleft palate treatment. We will give you a quote at your cleft repair consultation so that you know what to expect. You can also discuss the pricing of birth defect correction with your insurance provider ahead of time.
Three Important Facts About Our Polson Cleft Lip and Palate Surgeries
These procedures are typically performed between nine and 18 months of age and can address both small tears and large or complete lip and palate separations.
Dr. Hardy can use customized advanced procedures and state-of-the-art surgical tools to rebuild the palate by moving surrounding tissue on either side of the cleft toward the middle of the roof of the mouth.
This is followed by joining muscle tissue together while leaving enough length to allow for normal eating and speech. In severe cases, Dr. Hardy may need to perform follow-up surgeries as your child grows.
How Old Must My Child Be to Have Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Treatment?
Typically, your child must be at least three to six months old to receive treatment for their cleft lip. For their cleft palate or a combination of both, they have to wait until they're 9-18 months. Once they reach that age, the sooner they undergo cleft surgery, the better, especially given the increased risk of ear infections and orthodontic problems.
You do not have to wait three months before talking to a doctor. In fact, we recommend that parents reach out proactively since surgeries can take three or four weeks to be scheduled.
Parents can begin learning about their options during a visit to our Polson, MT, plastic surgery office, serving families from Polson, Helena, and across Montana.
Your Family Is Not Alone
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If your child was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate, you may feel alone. However, according to the CDC, as many as 1 in 1,600 children will be born with these fairly common birth defects. They're also a correctable craniofacial condition, which means your child can live a long and happy life after the cleft repair procedure.
"Best plastic surgeon!" Why Montana Patients Trust Dr. Hardy
Krystina Beach
Polson, MT
2020
Love Dr. Hardy and his staff! They’re all very friendly and knowledgeable. I always know I’m in great hands when I’m there. Best plastic surgeon!
View on GoogleJessica Mumm
2020
Dr. Hardy and all the staff are wonderful! It was a comfortable, informative, & great experience. Dr. Hardy’s work is amazing!
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