Can cleft lips and cleft palates be repaired?
Yes. Surgery provides excellent results. Dr. Hoffmann will work closely with you to determine the best timing for surgery. Most surgeons agree that a cleft lip should be repaired by the time a baby is 3 months old. A cleft palate generally is repaired between the ages of 12 and 18 months. This surgical procedure depending on a child’s general health and the extent of cleft lip or cleft palate. In cleft lip surgery, the most common problem is asymmetry, when one side of the mouth and nose does not match the other side. The goal of cleft lip surgery is to close the separation in the first operation. Occasionally, a second operation may be needed to correct symmetry. In cleft palate surgery, the goal is to close the opening in the roof of the mouth so the child can eat and learn to speak properly. Occasionally, poor healing or poor speech may require a second operation.
