Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Repair

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Repair

Cleft lip and cleft palate repair surgically corrects abnormal development, restoring function to the lips and mouth and producing a more normal appearance. Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth anomalies affecting children in North America and worldwide. The incomplete formation of the upper lip (cleft lip) or roof of the mouth (cleft palate) can occur individually, or both defects may occur together. The conditions can vary in severity and may involve one or both sides of the mouth. Surgery is required to repair cleft lip and/or cleft palate.

When should my child have the surgery?

The timing of the cleft repairs depends on the individual circumstances of your child. Cleft lip repairs are typically performed between 2 and 6 months of age depending on your child's health status and local cleft team protocols. Cleft palate repairs are generally performed after cleft lip repair in a separate surgery when the child is between 9 to 18 months of age depending on health status and local cleft team protocols. Cleft lip and/or palate repair may be delayed in order to treat other, more life-threatening problems that may be present such as a heart or lung disorder. Depending on the severity of the cleft, pre-operative interventions such as cleft lip taping, orthodontic molding (called NasoAlveolar Molding – NAM), or staged surgery techniques may be recommended. Other cleft-related surgeries may be needed over time including ear tubes to treat fluid buildup, bone grafting to repair the gumline, and dental or jaw surgery to improve bite relationships