Cosmetic Surgery for a Cleft Lip and Palate

One of the most saddening congenital deformities affecting children all over the world is the clef lip and palate. Thanks to modern technology, we can now fix these problems with cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, but in third world countries, many children still go without this kind of help. A cleft is a separation in the body’s natural structure, and is caused on the face during gestation. A cleft lip and palate occur in about one in 600 to 800 births and are also called hare lip.

There are three different types of cleft lip. The unilateral incomplete cleft lip looks like a dent in the upper lip that does not reach the nose. It is also sometimes called a partial or incomplete cleft. If the dent reaches one nostril the cleft lip is known as a unilateral complete cleft. If it reaches to both nostrils, it is known as a bilateral complete cleft lip. If this does not extend into the mouth, cosmetic surgery is what is needed to fix the condition.

A cleft palate is a bit more of a serious condition. In this case, the two plates that form the skill in the hard palate, or roof of the mouth, do not completely join. Again, there are three kinds of cleft palates. The incomplete cleft palate is only a problem within the mouth and does not reach the nose. The complete lip and palate clefs reach the nostrils and are either unilateral (reaching one nostril) or bilateral (both nostrils). If this occurs, a combination of surgeries is needed to fix the problem. Usually, surgery can be done immediately after birth, but most doctors prefer to wait until the baby is ten weeks old so that he or she has time to recover from the birthing process itself.

Cleft lips and palates form due to both genetic and environmental factors. They are most prevalent in Asian, Latino, and Native American races, but can affect any child. Cosmetic surgery can really help these babies. Not only will it form a more normal-looking face, but it will also help with the various speech problems a child will have if trying to learn to speak with a cleft lip and palate.

If your baby has a clef lip or palate, you should talk to your doctor about the options available to you. In most cases, this surgery can be covered by your medical insurance, and it is definitely a good idea to help your child. Many successful people were born with cleft lips and palates, so surgery can really help.

Skin care cosmetic – Useful or harmful?

A beautiful and healthy skin is a big confidence booster. Some people are naturally beautiful and hence don’t use any ‘skin care cosmetic’. Then there are others, who don’t use skin care cosmetic due to their laziness. Still some feel that skin care cosmetic can harm their skin, and hence abandon the use of any kind of skin care cosmetic. However, there are a large number of people who do use skin care cosmetic (that’s why the business of skin care cosmetic is prospering).

So, is skin care cosmetic useful, or is it harmful? Well, the opinions seem divided. However, one thing is for sure – Looking beautiful is surely nice and very desirable. Also, too much skin care cosmetic can surely be harmful (as such, excess of anything is harmful). So, what does one do?

The first thing is to formulate (and follow) a skin care routine that will help keep your skin healthy and disease-free. The general recommendation is to cleanse and moisturise everyday, and tone and exfoliate occasionally (as and when needed).

Next thing is the skin care cosmetics that you would be using additionally (as beauty enhancers). These skin care cosmetics could either be part of your skin care routine or be applied only on special occasions (e.g. when attending a party etc).

The most important thing with skin care cosmetic is its selection. Here is a set of rules that you should use when selecting any skin care cosmetic:

* The general rule is to use products that suit your skin type. This is true both for the routine products and for the skin care cosmetic. So check the label to see what it says e.g. ‘for dry skin only’ or ‘for all skin types’ etc.

* Test the skin care cosmetic before using it. This can be done by applying the skin care cosmetic on a small patch of skin e.g. ear lobes and checking the reaction of your skin to the product

* Check the ingredients of the skin care cosmetic for chemicals that you are allergic to. Do not use products that are very harsh on skin e.g. products with high alcohol concentrations; such cosmetics might work for once but cause a long-lasting damage to your skin.

* ‘More isn’t better’. Ensure that you apply the products in right quantity (neither less not more). Also, be gentle with your skin and follow the right procedures for application of skin care products. Rubbing too hard or trying to squeeze a pimple can lead to permanent damage to your skin.

* Finally, if you have a skin disorder e.g. acne etc, you should consult your dermatologist before using any skin care cosmetic.