New smiles for young patients after reconstructive surgery

A Parow mother has praised the medical team and the Smile Foundation after her 16-month-old son, Stephen, born with a cleft lip, underwent successful reconstructive surgery.

Stephen was one of three children who received reconstructive surgery at Tygerberg Hospital as part of the Smile Slate initiative, hosted by the Smile Foundation together with Milky Lane.

A Smile Slate is an initiative by the Smile Foundation that provides life-changing surgeries for children with facial anomalies like cleft lip and palate, craniofacial abnormalities and severe burn scarring.

For the Smile Foundation, each Smile Slate is a “reminder that medical care is not a privilege, it is a lifeline”. 

Leading the surgical team was Dr Mosadi Mahoko, plastic consultant at Tygerberg Hospital, supported by registrar Dr Kirthi Ramdhani. Dr Mahoko has dedicated much of her career to improving access to reconstructive surgery for children in the public health system, and is known for her patient-centred approach and calm, reassuring presence in theatre. Her hands have helped restore not only smiles, but childhoods. 

Stephen was born with a bilateral cleft palate. This week’s surgery was to close the palate, his mother, Chantelle, said.

She described the Smile Foundation as “amazing” and shared that they found out about his cleft palate when she was 20 weeks pregnant. 

“He was born at 35 weeks. He was in hospital for 17 days because of the cleft, he had a feeding tube, we had to learn how to feed with the bottle. In the beginning it was a bit challenging, you go to the clinic, you get those stairs. I didn’t care because my boy is gorgeous, people didn’t understand so I would have to explain. 

“Food wise challenging, he had reflux. He was on reflux medication for that. At 2 months old it stopped. Other than that it’s been perfect. As a mom you don’t want your child sliced open but it has to be done for his own good. I trust the doctors, they did an amazing job on his lip.”

Swart explained that this week was not her son’s first surgery, as her son’s lip was open flat on one side and through a previous surgery, his nose was built up and the lip stitched closed. 

When he turns seven, Stephen will require surgery to strengthen the gum area so his teeth can develop properly, followed by braces at around age 12. He will also need speech therapy to address challenges related to his cleft.

Another child who received surgery was nine-month-old Luan from Barrydale, born with an incomplete cleft lip. His diagnosis came as a surprise, but his family carries a generational story of hope. 

“My father was also born with a cleft lip, so when Luan arrived, we knew there was a chance for him to thrive,” his mother, Lashay, shared. 

“We are so grateful to the doctors, Smile Foundation and Milky Lane for giving our little boy the chance to smile brightly.” 

Another child benefiting from Smile Foundation’s craniofacial programme is two-year-old Carla, who has undergone cranial vault remodelling at Tygerberg Hospital on Tuesday 18 November. Carla was born prematurely at 29 weeks and diagnosed with spina bifida shortly after birth. She also lives with Foetal Valproate Syndrome, a rare condition linked to the medication used to treat her mother’s epilepsy, which has affected the shape and growth of her skull and contributed to developmental delays. 

“Behind every surgery is a family that has carried fear and hope in equal measure. When a child receives reconstructive care, a community exhales. These surgeries are not just medical procedures, it is a chance at a fresh start. We are deeply thankful to Milky Lane and the entire team at Tygerberg Hospital for helping restore not only smiles, but futures,” said Tshidi Chabane-Xaba, chief operating officer of Smile Foundation.

Patricia Kasuka, marketing manager for Milky Lane, added: “At Milky Lane, we believe a smile is the sweetest treat of all. Partnering with Smile Foundation means helping children grow up with confidence and joy. We are honoured to stand with these families, one smile at a time.” 

Cape Times