Facial disfigurement is a condition that affects the appearance of the face, often caused by birth defects, trauma, or disease. Harelip, also known as cleft lip, is one type of facial disfigurement that occurs when the two sides of the upper lip fail to join together during development in the womb. It can range from a small notch in the lip to a large opening that extends into the nose. Treatment for harelip usually involves surgery to close the gap and reconstruct the lip and nose.