We took Simon to see the plastic surgeon and orthodontist today. The first step in his cleft treatment is to tape his upper lip to begin closing the gap a little. In two weeks he'll be fitted for his NAM (nasoalveolar molding device) which is like a retainer that goes in his mouth and covers the palate, while also shaping the cartilage of his nose in advance of the first surgery. He'll wear the NAM all day every day (except for cleaning) until the first surgery, which will close his lip and his soft palate (in the back of his mouth). This will probably be around 3 months of age, but we won't know exactly when until we see what kind of progress he's making with the NAM.
A first step on a long road...
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