Surgery
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Cleft lip and palate repair are operations to close a gap in a baby’s lip or the roof of the mouth present from birth.
Quick answer
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: what it is, why it's done and what happens
A cleft lip or palate is a gap in the upper lip or roof of the mouth that forms before birth. Repair surgery closes the gap and restores the structure, usually in the first months to years of life, often in stages.
- Why it is done: It is done to allow normal feeding, speech development, hearing and appearance, and to protect dental and facial growth.
- What happens: Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon closes the cleft in the lip (usually around a few months old) and the palate (usually within the first year or so), rebuilding the muscle and tissue layers.
What it is
A cleft lip or palate is a gap in the upper lip or roof of the mouth that forms before birth. Repair surgery closes the gap and restores the structure, usually in the first months to years of life, often in stages.
Why it is done
It is done to allow normal feeding, speech development, hearing and appearance, and to protect dental and facial growth. It is part of long-term care by a specialist cleft team.
What happens
Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon closes the cleft in the lip (usually around a few months old) and the palate (usually within the first year or so), rebuilding the muscle and tissue layers.
Recovery
Babies need careful feeding and comfort while healing over a couple of weeks. Arm supports may be used briefly to protect the repair. Ongoing follow-up covers speech, hearing, teeth and further surgery if needed.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include bleeding, infection, and the repair partly breaking down, which may need revision. Some children need further operations, and speech, dental and hearing support over the years.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: frequently asked questions
When are cleft repairs usually done?
Cleft lip is often repaired at around three to six months of age and cleft palate within the first year or so, though exact timing varies. Care continues throughout childhood with a specialist team.
Will my child need more than one operation?
Some children need further surgery over the years, for example to help speech, the gum line or appearance. The cleft team plans this as your child grows.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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