What is a cleft lip/palate?
Cleft lip/palate are common birth defects (about 1 in 600 births). A cleft lip/palate is an opening or split in the upper lip or roof of the mouth (learn more from the Cleft Lip and Palate Association). Facial clefts can have profound physical and emotional effects on the people born with them (as well as their caregivers). Divergent facial features can lead to a range of medical, psychological, and social challenges throughout someone’s life. Cleft lip/palate, surgical trauma, and social stigma can have a negative impact on self-esteem, social interactions, and emotional health (learn more from the Society of Pediatric Psychology).
Cleft lip/palate, surgical trauma
Children with cleft lip/palate may undergo numerous medical procedures. Most children with a cleft need plastic surgery, help with hearing problems, speech therapy, and extensive dental work. Repeated surgeries and medical appointments can generate trauma symptoms. Medical trauma in these cases is often rooted in the stress of invasive procedures and can manifest as anxiety or avoidance behaviors in later life.
Cleft lip/palate, surgical trauma: The psychological consequences
Children with visible differences in facial structure may experience bullying or social exclusion, become isolated, and develop low self-esteem. Barriers to developing peer relationships during formative can have a negative effect on people living with a cleft, even when they become adults. Children encountering stigma because of facial differences may experience shame, self-consciousness, and social anxiety. Adolescents and adults may also face difficulties with self-image, sometimes avoiding social situations or intimate relationships due to fear of rejection.
Healing the trauma
Healing medical and social traumas related to facial clefts requires a holistic approach. Psychotherapy helps children and families process trauma, build resilience, and foster a positive self-image. Peer support groups and mentorship programs can also provide valuable connections and encouragement. It is important to consider both physical and emotional needs to help children with cleft lip/palate lead fulfilling lives
Get in touch
If you’re recovering from medical trauma and/or dealing with stigma related to differences in facial structure, you may feel anxious in social settings, depressed, or isolated. I can help you begin to work through those feelings and achieve greater sense of wholeness within yourself.
Get in touch: cmduncanplpc@gmail.com, 573.238.8343.
Other resources
American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS): https://maxface.org