One of every 800 babies is born with a cleft lip or a cleft palate. A separation in the upper lip is called cleft lip and a similar birth defect in the roof of the mouth is called cleft palate.

If your child was born with either or both of these conditions, surgery will probably be recommended by your doctor. Children with cleft palate or lip need plastic surgery to repair the opening. They may also need help with their hearing, feeding, speech and psychological development as they grow. For that reason, parents may enlist the help of a Cleft Lip and Palate Team that may include a plastic surgeon, pediatrician, dentist, speech and language pathologist, social worker, hearing specialist, psychologist, ear-nose-and-throat specialist, genetic counselor and nurse.

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk

As with any operation, there are risks associated with this surgery. The most common problem in cleft lip surgery is asymmetry when one side of the mouth and nose does not match the other. A second operation may be needed if symmetry is not accomplished in the first operation. Occasionally, poor healing in the palate or poor speech may require a second cleft palate surgery. 

Planning for surgery

Your doctor will discuss the details of your child’s surgery at your initial consultation. He or she will explain any possible risks, recovery and expected results. Health insurance will cover most or all of the costs of the surgery. Be sure to check with your insurance provider for any limitations on your coverage. At your initial consultation, your doctor will also answer questions you may have about feeding your baby before and after the surgery.

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Cleft lip surgery

Surgery to correct a cleft lip is usually done when a child is about 10 weeks old. To repair a cleft lip, the plastic surgeon will make an incision on each side of the cleft from the lip to the nostril. The dark pink outer portion of the lip will be turned down and the muscle and the skin of the lip will be pulled together to close the separation. The normal shape of the mouth is restored as well as muscle function. The scar left after surgery will fade with time. 

Recovering from cleft lip surgery

Your child may need elbow restraints for a few weeks following the surgery to make sure he or she doesn’t rub the stitched area. Dressings will be removed a day or two after the surgery and stitches will either dissolve or be removed within five days.

The scar may appear to get bigger and redder after surgery, however it will gradually fade. Although the scar will never totally disappear, it may be barely noticeable because of the shadows formed by the nose and upper lip.

Cleft palate surgery

Repairing a cleft palate involves more extensive surgery than a cleft lip. It is usually done when a child is nine to 18 months old, so the baby is better able to tolerate surgery. To repair a cleft palate, a plastic surgeon will make an incision along both sides of the cleft. Tissues will be moved from each side of the cleft to the center of the roof of the mouth. The palate is rebuilt, joining muscle together so the child can eat and speak without difficulty.

Recovering from cleft palate surgery

Your child may feel some soreness and pain for a day or two. Also during this time, your child will not eat or drink normally so an intravenous line may be used to maintain fluid levels. Elbow restraints may be used to prevent your baby from rubbing the repaired area. Your doctor will tell you how to feed your child during the first few weeks after surgery.

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Other procedures performed at Arrowhead Plastic Surgeons

Facial Fracture
Facial Paralysis
Nasal Septal Surgery
Head and Neck Cancer
 

For an appointment call
Arrowhead Plastic Surgeons 419.887.7000 or toll free 1.800.783.2111