Cleft Lip and/or Palate Surgery
Reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and/or palate has evolved over more than half a century and today's techniques and procedures have come a long way.
Though it is never too late for cleft surgery, most experts agree that cleft lips should ideally be treated within the first three to six months after birth and cleft palates between nine and 12 months. Depending on the severity of their cleft and other factors, a child could undergo multiple surgeries during their first 20 years.
Essential Information About Cleft Surgery
Watch this video for essential information about safety and quality measures before, during, and immediately after cleft surgery. This version is in English; please contact Smile Train for availability in other languages.
Surgery Steps
Before
Before surgery, it is important for caregivers to carefully listen to any instructions given by their medical team. This may include instructions about when your child is permitted to eat or drink prior to surgery, important information about what to expect, and other information that will help ensure your child has the best outcome.
During
During surgery, your child will be given a general anesthetic so that they will be asleep and will not feel any pain. The length of the surgery will depend on the type of surgery, the child, and the treatment team. When the surgery is completed, your child will be monitored in the Post-anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) before being transferred to the recovery ward.
After
After surgery, the doctors and nurses may provide you with special information about caring for the surgical area. The surgical team may ask you to gently clean around the stitches with a soft cotton swab and water twice a day to keep the wound clean and remove any clots or crusts. You may also be instructed to apply ointment to the lip twice a day after cleanings. However, in some cases, no cleaning or wound care is required at all. Most surgeries will heal normally, but if your child seems to have any discomfort or complications following the surgery, you should consult your cleft care team.