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Cleft Lip & Palate Surgeon

Facial clefting is a congenital phenomenon that comes in many varieties and can be caused by several factors. It may be related to other syndromes and anomalies or may occur as a completely isolated one. There are over 17,000 known genes that contribute to craniofacial development and over 300 known syndromes with associated clefting. Dr. Rousso is a world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive experience and expertise in cleft lip and palate surgeries.

Types of Cleft Lip and Palate Procedures

Cleft lip and palate occurs in a variety of shapes and sizes, which synergistically determine the functional and aesthetic consequences. It is for this reason that a comprehensive approach be taken in the care of the child with orofacial clefting. The aesthetic and psychological factors are closely intertwined, as are the functional and developmental factors. This is why we use a team approach in the care of our cleft lip and palate patients.

First and foremost, in the treatment plan is an understanding that parents of children with clefts of the lip and/or palate know that this is not a condition caused by any fault of their own. Although its development is multifactorial, the cleft deformities are a result of improper fusion during embryonic development and this is not a process that can be controlled by expecting parents.

Orofacial clefting can be divided into one of two categories: Isolated Cleft Palate (occurring at a frequency of about 1 case per 1,000 births) and Cleft Lip +/- Palate (occurring at a frequency of about 2 cases per 1,000 births). Some of the options Dr. Rousso can use for surgical repair include:

  • Cleft Lip Repair
  • Cleft Palate Repair
  • Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Surgery (VPI)
  • Pharyngeal Flap Surgery
  • Sphincter Pharyngoplasty
  • Submucous Cleft Palate Repair
  • Furlow Palatoplasty
  • Speech Surgery
  • Minimally invasive pharyngeal augmentation

Dr. Rousso is the co-director of the cleft lip, palate and microtia team of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. This is a multidisciplinary team that consists of multiple medical and surgical specialists as well as nursing, speech and feeding professionals. They use the most cutting-edge and current techniques for the best aesthetic results. The team always utilizes the most evidence based and up-to-date procedures for functional speech and swallowing outcomes. Dr. Rousso has led many global surgical mission trips to third world countries and lectured on his techniques of optimal aesthetic lip and palate reconstruction throughout the world. He has given invited lectures on the topics of cleft lip and palate at the prestigious annual meeting of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).

To learn more about cleft lip and palate surgery, contact our office in New York City to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rousso.

What our patients are saying

  • Dr. Rousso was spectacular. Smart, listened to my issues, asked a variety of thoughtful questions to help identify and resolve my issue. Would absolutely recommend him to others. He was warm and personable and wonderful that he speaks Spanish. J. B.
  • My son had a cleft lip and now he looks like he never had it! Thank you so much! M. T.
  • Dr. Rousso is absolutely awesome! M. Z.
  • He was super kind and mindful of my comfort!!! Highly recc! G. R.
  • Dr. Rousso took his time and answered all of my questions or concerns. S. S.

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Contact us

If you or a family member need facial plastic surgery or reconstructive surgery for aesthetic or functional issues in New York City, take the time to meet with Dr. Joseph Rousso for a consultation. His extensive education, experience and talent as a facial plastic surgeon cannot be surpassed, especially when it comes to balanced, natural-appearing results. Contact his office in Manhattan to schedule your consultation.

Contact Dr. Rousso

Our Patient Reviews

Joseph J. Rousso, MD FACS

4.9 / 5.0

Based on 32 reviews

Nancy M.

They were very professional from the moment I walked in there. The doctor took the time to understand my pain and was ready to help and did a great job.

Lauren S.

Dr Rousso is patient, listens well and explains thoroughly. He has a warm manner and seems very knowledgeable. I highly recommend!

Joseph T.

Very personable doc – at no point in the appointment did I feel rushed. Great staff, too, and I was seen very quickly.

Cassandra F.

I love visits with Dr. Rousso. Always super nice, patient, thorough, and willing to answer any questions I have.

Lisa K.

Professional, informative, and didn't feel rushed. Was able to diagnose my condition.

Antonio V.

Dr Rousso is an excellent doctor, and my visit couldn’t be more pleasant. I highly recommend him.

Aaron B.

It appears Dr. Rousso diagnosed me both quickly and effectively. My symptoms are already clearing up!

Katherine T.

Dr Rousso gave me a great initial consult and a referral to a sinus specialist.