
Top Hospitals in Michigan: Your Go-To Guide for Quality Healthcare
Overview
Having a child born with a cleft palate or cleft lip can be an emotional and challenging experience for any parent. Finding the right hospital for repair surgery is crucial to ensure your child receives the highest quality of care. This article provides an in-depth look at the top 10 hospitals in Michigan that specialize in cleft lip and cleft palate repair.
Understanding Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. A cleft lip occurs when the tissue that forms the upper lip does not join completely, leaving an opening. A cleft palate occurs when the roof of the mouth, called the palate, does not develop normally, leaving an opening between the mouth and nose. These defects can occur together or separately and require surgical repair.
Origin and Diagnosis
Cleft lip and cleft palate originate very early in pregnancy. As the fetus develops, tissues in the mouth and face naturally fuse together. In babies with clefts, this fusion does not happen properly. Clefts are diagnosed during pregnancy using a cleft lip ultrasound or after birth during a physical exam. The severity of the cleft can vary and may be unilateral, bilateral, or midline.
Available Treatments
The treatment for cleft lip and cleft palate focuses on surgically repairing the defects and improving appearance as well as speech, language, hearing, and other developmental issues. Surgery to repair a cleft lip is usually done between 3 to 6 months of age. Surgery to repair a cleft palate is usually done between 9 months and 12 months of age. Additional surgeries and treatments such as speech therapy may be required as the child grows. With comprehensive treatment from a team of doctors and therapists, children with cleft lips and cleft palates can thrive and live full, healthy lives with minimal long-term impacts. Early diagnosis, intervention and family support are key to the best outcomes.
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Top (10) Michigan Children's Hospitals:
University of Michigan Health-Ann Arbor
This premier institution is nationally ranked in 13 adult and 10 pediatric specialties, demonstrating excellence across a broad range of medical fields. It is high performing in 19 procedures/conditions, reflecting its commitment to diverse areas of healthcare.

1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

734-936-4000
Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital
Known for its national ranking in 10 adult specialties, this hospital excels in providing comprehensive care. It is also high performing in a specialty and 15 procedures/conditions, showcasing its wide-ranging medical expertise.

3601 W 13 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073

248-898-5000


Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
This hospital is nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties and high performing in 5 specialties and 12 procedures/conditions. It stands out for its focused approach in various medical areas.
44201 Dequindre Rd, Troy, MI 48085
248-964-5000


Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital
With a high performance in 1 specialty and 16 procedures/conditions, this hospital provides a broad spectrum of healthcare services, catering to diverse medical needs.
5301 McAuley Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-712-3456


Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals-Blodgett and Butterworth
This institution is nationally ranked in 2 pediatric specialties. It also excels in 3 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions, reflecting its commitment to both pediatric and adult care.
1840 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616-774-7444


Henry Ford Hospital
This hospital is high performing in 5 specialties and 12 procedures/conditions, known for its quality patient care and comprehensive healthcare services.
2799 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202
313-916-2600


Munson Medical Center
Recognized for high performance in 14 procedures/conditions, this hospital focuses on a range of medical treatments and patient care.
1105 Sixth St, Traverse City, MI 49684
231-935-5000


Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital
This hospital is nationally ranked in 1 adult specialty and high performing in 3 specialties and 8 procedures/conditions, showcasing its medical excellence in focused areas.
468 Cadieux Rd, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230
313-473-1000


Bronson Methodist Hospital
High performing in 11 procedures/conditions, this hospital offers a range of medical treatments, known for its patient-centered approach.
601 John St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
269-341-7654


Ascension Genesys Hospital
With a focus on 9 high-performing procedures/conditions, this hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services, catering to various patient needs.
1 Genesys Pkwy, Grand Blanc Twp, MI 48439
810-606-5000
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Cleft Surgery
Experience and Expertise
When seeking treatment for a congenital condition like cleft lip or palate, experience and expertise of the surgeons and staff are paramount. Look for hospitals with dedicated craniofacial units and surgeons who specialize in cleft repair and have performed hundreds of successful procedures. More experience typically means better long-term results and a lower chance of complications.
Range of Services
The top hospitals will offer a comprehensive range of services for cleft patients, from initial diagnosis and treatment planning to follow-up care and revision surgeries if needed. They should have speech pathologists, dentists, orthodontists and psychologists on staff to properly assess and treat all aspects of cleft care. Some may even have designated cleft palate or craniofacial teams to coordinate care.
Latest Techniques and Technology
Hospitals on the cutting edge will utilize the latest techniques like nasoalveolar molding before surgery to improve outcomes. They should have state-of-the-art facilities and tools like 3D imaging, endoscopes and lasers. Minimally invasive procedures, when appropriate, can lead to quicker recovery and less scarring.
Family-Centered Care
The top hospitals recognize that cleft conditions affect the whole family. They should offer resources and support for parents like counseling services, educational materials and support groups. Family involvement in the treatment planning process is ideal. Look for hospitals with child life specialists, social workers and facilities geared toward children.
Choosing a hospital with experience, expertise, advanced techniques and a family-centered philosophy of care will help ensure the best outcome for your child’s cleft surgery. While cost and location may also be factors, quality of care should be the top priority. With the right team and facility, your child will have the best chance at a safe surgery, successful treatment and positive long-term outcome.
General Cleft lip & Palate Surgery Information:
How much does Cleft lip and palate repair cost?
Cleft lip and palate repair can cost between $5,000 and $13,405 over 12 months. The cost depends on a number of factors, including the patient's insurance coverage, the surgeon's experience, and the type of procedure. Some procedures may be covered by full medical insurance. Source.
Range of Services
The top hospitals will offer a comprehensive range of services for cleft patients, from initial diagnosis and treatment planning to follow-up care and revision surgeries if needed. They should have speech pathologists, dentists, orthodontists and psychologists on staff to properly assess and treat all aspects of cleft care. Some may even have designated cleft palate or craniofacial teams to coordinate care.
Latest Techniques and Technology
Hospitals on the cutting edge will utilize the latest techniques like nasoalveolar molding before surgery to improve outcomes. They should have state-of-the-art facilities and tools like 3D imaging, endoscopes and lasers. Minimally invasive procedures, when appropriate, can lead to quicker recovery and less scarring.
Family-Centered Care
The top hospitals recognize that cleft conditions affect the whole family. They should offer resources and support for parents like counseling services, educational materials and support groups. Family involvement in the treatment planning process is ideal. Look for hospitals with child life specialists, social workers and facilities geared toward children.
Choosing a hospital with experience, expertise, advanced techniques and a family-centered philosophy of care will help ensure the best outcome for your child’s cleft surgery. While cost and location may also be factors, quality of care should be the top priority. With the right team and facility, your child will have the best chance at a safe surgery, successful treatment and positive long-term outcome.
Surgery Resource Information:
Preparing for your child's cleft lip and palate surgery involves several steps and considerations to ensure a safe and successful procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, here's what you should prepare:
Pre-Surgical Considerations:
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Before the surgery, discuss with your surgeon any pre-surgical considerations, which may include diagnostic testing and medications required before the procedure.
Day-of-Surgery Instructions:
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Your plastic surgeon will provide specific instructions for the day of the surgery. This typically includes guidelines about fasting, medications, and arrival time at the hospital.
Anesthesia Information:
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You'll receive detailed information regarding the use of anesthesia during the surgery. Understanding this is crucial for managing expectations about the surgery and post-operative care.
Postoperative Care and Follow-up:
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Familiarize yourself with the postoperative care requirements and the schedule for follow-up visits. Proper postoperative care is vital for recovery and the best surgical outcome.
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No-No pediatric arm immobilizers are designed to ensure a safer and quicker recovery for your child. These user-friendly arm restraint bands are essential for post-surgery care. Discover more about our pediatric arm restraints and view our product range here.
Hospital Admission:
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Initial cleft lip and cleft palate repairs are usually performed in a hospital setting. Most commonly, this will require an overnight stay for your child, so plan accordingly.
It's important to have thorough discussions with your child's surgeon to understand all aspects of the surgery, from preparation to recovery. Feel free to ask any questions you might have to ensure you're fully prepared for your child's procedure.
Post Surgery Information:
After cleft palate surgery, you can expect your child to stay in the hospital for at least one or two days. You can expect the following:
Swelling and bleeding
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Swelling and small amounts of bleeding are normal. You can apply ice to the surgical side of the face on the first day after surgery, and early on the second day only. You can use a mustache dressing for nasal bleeding.
Clear liquids
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Your child can drink clear liquids from a cup only, and should not use utensils or straws.
Stitches
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Your child will have stitches in their mouth for several weeks, but some dissolve sooner. You can use your tongue, but do not play with the stitches. Do not pull at the stitches, as they will come out on their own.
Snoring
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Your child may snore and sound congested for several weeks. This will go away when the swelling goes down and there is less drainage.
Sleep
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It may be harder for your child to sleep as well as before surgery, but sleep habits should return to normal after several weeks.
Diet
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For the first two weeks after surgery, give only soft food. This allows time for the palate to heal. You can use a blender or food processor to smooth many table foods to an even, baby-food texture. You can add liquids such as chicken or beef broth, milk, gravy, or smooth sauces to meats and vegetables. You can also use fruit juice to blend with fruit. Avoid hard foods such as toast, biscuits or rusks during healing.
To learn more about post cleft lip and cleft palate surgery information, please visit the following resource pages by:
Additional Resources:
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H & H Research Inc. provides digital content for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. In emergencies, contact local emergency services or visit the nearest emergency facility. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any health-related program. Our content, including texts, graphics, and other materials, is developed for general information and should not be taken as medical guidance. Always consult a healthcare professional for advice on medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The efficacy and safety of products or treatments mentioned are not guaranteed. Information may change and is not intended to cover all possible health scenarios. H & H Research Inc. does not endorse specific medical tests, products, or professional opinions mentioned in our content.