Hello Again.
Here in Minnesota we have 3 main surgeons who do the bulk of Cleft surgeries. Two are plastic surgeons and the other is an ENT surgeon with no plastics ( not sure that matters since he is an expert in his field.
One of the PS would want us to use this Oral cleft Retainer - also called Lantham, or the NAM device. He is the only one who promotes this device here in town. It is somewhat experimental- it's designed to bring the Gap together before the lip surgery. It also is supposed to minimize the possibility of a tear.
The other Surgeons do not believe in it. I've contacted a few other states was well and I get the same info- not worth it.
I've researched it as well and it does not yet prove to give and long term and any intermediate results.
It's a lot of work, there are complications with it and I am just not certain I want to have my baby with a mouth full of plastic unless it is absolutely necessary.
Has anyone used a device like this?
Was it helpful?
Did anyone have a TEAR with the LIP??
How common are tears?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Michelle
Did anyone experience tearing at all?[/list]