Cleft Lip Surgery Gallery

A cleft lip repair is usually done when the child is 2 to 3 months old. Before surgery, you will meet with specialists to help ensure your child is healthy and gaining any necessary weight. Your doctor will also discuss anesthesia options with you.

During cleft lip repair surgery, incisions are made on either side of the cleft. This creates flaps of tissue that can be stitched together to close the opening of the cleft. Once the cleft is repaired, your surgeon may also construct a cupid’s bow, the curve at the center of the lip. These repairs are generally made with small, absorbable stitches that will not need to be removed at a later date.

After surgery, your child may spend 1 to 3 days in the hospital for recovery. You will be taught how to properly care for the surgical site and given instructions for your child’s diet, which will likely include only liquids until the wound heals completely.

MORE INFO