Overview
Cleft lip and palate repair improves feeding, speech, hearing and appearance. Care usually continues through childhood with a team including surgeons, dentists, orthodontists, speech therapists and ENT specialists.
Why it is done
- To close a cleft lip, usually at around three to six months of age
- To repair a cleft palate, usually between six and 18 months
- To improve speech, feeding and ear health
- Later procedures to improve appearance, teeth and bone
Before the surgery
Babies need good feeding and weight gain before surgery. Special bottles and feeding advice help. The baby's general health is checked.
During the surgery
Surgery is done under general anaesthesia. The muscles and skin of the lip or palate are carefully rejoined.
After the surgery
Babies usually stay in hospital for a short time. Feeding advice and wound care are given. Speech, hearing and dental development are followed up over time.
Risks
Risks include bleeding, infection, wound breakdown, scarring and the need for further surgery.
At KIH
KIH's plastic surgery, ENT and dental teams can assess children with cleft lip and palate and plan their care.
This information is for general education. Your doctor will explain whether this treatment is suitable for you, and its benefits and risks. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
