Book excerpt: Cleft lip and cleft palate are facial and oral malformations that occur very early in pregnancy, while the baby is developing inside the mother. Clefting results when there is not enough tissue in the mouth or lip area, and the tissue that is available does not join together properly (WebMD). This book is a concise guide to the management of cleft lip and cleft palate. Beginning with an introduction to embryology and anatomy related to the conditions, the following sections explain different surgical techniques for their repair. Classification systems are discussed in depth, enhanced by clinical photographs and 3D sonography images. Each topic includes the very latest information in the specialty, and high quality illustrations demonstrate operative steps in each procedure. Key points Concise guide to the management of cleft lip and cleft palate Provides detailed overview of embryology and anatomy Discusses different surgical techniques for repair Covers classification systems with clinical photographs and 3D images