2 Celebrities With Cleft Lip
You have probably heard of cleft lip and, if you are pregnant, it may be one of the issues that worries you most regarding the development of your baby. This congenital defect constitutes one of the most frequent malformations that exist, which has led to it being studied more and more in depth.
Depending on the degree, so will the sequelae that may arise from this condition, as well as the ease of treatment. However, many times it can be overcome and those affected have a normal life. As an example of this, we will tell you about some famous people who have suffered from it.
What is cleft lip?
Cleft lip is a congenital defect that consists of a cleft or separation in the upper lip. This is caused by the incomplete fusion of the maxillary and nasomedial processes of the embryo and is one of the most frequent birth defects.
Both the cleft lip and the cleft palate appear in the early stages of embryonic development, when the lumps that will make up the lips, nose and palate are just beginning to fuse.
At the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, this fusion ends and, if it does not occur, the baby will be born with a cleft in the lip, in the palate or in both.
Worldwide data speak that these facial fissures occur in 1 out of every 700 births, making it one of the most common congenital anomalies.
Causes of cleft lip
Much has been studied in this regard and, thanks to the knowledge of the human genome, it has been possible to conclude that there are certain aspects that could favor this malformation. It is said that environmental factors during pregnancy, such as poorly prescribed medications or exposure to certain toxins, and family genetics are determining factors .
Tobacco consumption and a poor diet increase the chances that the palate will not develop properly. There is also talk that folic acid before and during pregnancy can be very effective in preventing it.
Possible difficulties of children with cleft lip
Being born with a cleft lip or palate can cause numerous problems beyond the aesthetic part, affecting basic functions such as eating and speaking. These little ones usually need to undergo numerous surgeries from an early age. Some of the main complications are the following:
- Feeding difficulties : problems sucking breast milk.
- Hearing loss : this occurs because ear infections are very common. There is a dysfunction of the tube that connects the middle ear and the throat.
- Speech and language delays : Due to the affection of the lip and throat, there may be difficulties in speech.
- Dental problems : affects the normal development of the teeth.
Celebrities with cleft lip
However, the outlook is increasingly encouraging and advances in the field of medicine mean that these children have a good quality of life.
For inspiration, we’ve researched some famous people who were born with a cleft lip and who managed not only to overcome it, but to achieve their dreams.
Peyton manning
This American football player is an icon of self-improvement. He became the only quarterback in NFL history to win the Super Bowl with two different teams, and his records are impressive. Nothing, not even being born with a cleft lip, stopped him from achieving his goals.
Throughout his life he had several surgeries to close the gap in his palate and to make sure it did not reopen when he grew up. It also required a bone graft and hundreds of visits to the dentist. But the problem was not only physical, since his appearance made him withdraw from the other children.
When he got to play for the NFL, Manning founded the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent. This pediatric hospital includes the Craniofacial Center, which provides diagnosis, treatment and support to children suffering from disorders or deformities of the head and face.
Carmit bachar
You will remember her as one of the members of the group The Pussycat Dolls . Few know that this attractive singer and dancer was born with a cleft lip.
He grew up in a family of artists, but given his affection, they believed that he could never sing. She then decided to pursue rhythmic gymnastics, achieving a fifth place in the 1992 American Olympic qualifications.
As if that were not enough, he studied piano, violin, acting and singing. In addition to being one of the members of this famous musical group, she also participated in music videos for The Offspring, No Doubt and Beyoncé, etc.
Carmit has founded a non-profit organization called Smile With Me , with which she helps children who, like her, are born with this congenital malformation.
Some unconfirmed rumors about celebrities with cleft lip
There are rumors about several celebrities who could have this condition. However, this information has never been confirmed by them and, in fact, there are several theories regarding their scars.
One of them is the actor Joaquin Phoenix. Surely you have seen his striking scar that goes from the lip to the nose. It is so characteristic that it has been claimed that he had a cleft lip. Although in an interview he has denied it, saying that, during the pregnancy, his mother felt strong pain and believes that this was the reason for this gap.
The same happens with the actor of The Lord of the Rings, Viggo Mortensen, or with the French actress living in Mexico, Angelique Boyer. But the truth is that none have confirmed this fact.
As you can see, being born with a cleft lip is a problem and is a long way to get to a normal life. However, on many occasions this stigma can be overcome and fully developed.
