Some congenital conditions, such as cleft lip and palate, may require specialist assessment and, in certain cases, surgical treatment as part of a broader care plan.
Dr Ling-Yun Alice Chang provides care for selected paediatric plastic surgery conditions. Treatment planning is based on the child’s diagnosis, age, development, medical history, family circumstances, risks and recovery considerations.
Dr Chang provides assessment and surgical care for selected paediatric plastic surgery procedures across her private clinic and affiliated hospitals in Sydney.
Around one baby in every 800 in Australia is born with a cleft lip or palate. This is a congenital condition involving a gap in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth, which may affect feeding, speech and breathing.
Cleft lip and palate surgery is performed under general anaesthesia at specialist paediatric hospitals. Dr Chang performs this surgery within the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, including the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Treatment is planned with a multidisciplinary team.
Velopharyngeal incompetence, or VPI, occurs when there is inadequate closure or function of the velopharyngeal sphincter, the structure between the soft palate and the back of the throat.
This structure plays an important role in speech and in preventing nasal regurgitation of food and fluids. The type of procedure recommended depends on each child’s individual needs. Surgery is performed at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead with input from a multidisciplinary cleft lip and palate team.
Revisional cleft surgery may be considered by adults who wish to address concerns following cleft surgery performed in childhood. These may relate to changes in facial structure over time, visible scarring or functional concerns.
The type of procedure recommended varies depending on individual needs. This may include revision of the original cleft lip repair, sometimes performed with cleft rhinoplasty. In some cases, cartilage grafting may be used to support nasal structure.
Alveolar bone grafting is performed for children with a cleft affecting the alveolus, the bony ridge that supports the teeth. This procedure forms part of the broader treatment plan for children with cleft lip and/or palate and is typically considered when dental development has reached an appropriate stage, often between ages 8 and 10.
A small amount of bone is usually taken from the hip area and used to fill the gap in the alveolar ridge. Over time, the graft integrates with the surrounding bone as part of the healing process.
People with a cleft lip may also have associated differences in nasal structure, which can affect appearance and breathing. Cleft rhinoplasty may be considered to address these concerns and support nasal form and function.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and may involve carefully placed incisions, with nasal structures repositioned or reshaped as required. In some cases, cartilage grafts may be used to provide additional support.
Dr Ling-Yun Alice Chang is a highly qualified and specially trained plastic surgeon. She has a strong reputation for her caring bedside manner, excellent clinical skills and meticulous operating technique.
If you would like to discuss your child’s condition or learn whether treatment may be appropriate, please contact the practice to arrange a consultation.
All surgery carries risks. Suitability, recovery and outcomes vary.
