Researchers have identified some of the genes involved in regulating craniofacial development. The Human Genome Project hopes to ultimately identify all the genes that make us human. This should help us to better understand the genetic causes of cleft lip and palate. The good news is that ultrasound, amniocentesis and molecular genetic techniques can be used to detect common congenital malformations, including cleft lip, early. Advances in surgical techniques and growth factors also help correct problems associated with cleft lip or cleft palate.
Cleft lip is usually less serious than cleft palate.
A post-pubescent male may choose to grow a mustache to hide the external scar that remains after childhood surgery has closed the cleft lip. Unfortunately, this easy cosmetic option is not available to females. About 22 percent of facial clefting has a genetic origin. There is increased risk for congenital malformations because of maternal age at the time of pregnancy. Additional risk factors include lack of prenatal care during pregnancy, cigarette smoking, lack of a balanced diet and the chronic use of non- prescribed drugs or substance abuse.