Cleft lip repair

Alternative names:

cleft palate repair

Expectations after surgery:

Most babies heal without complications. The cosmetic result often depends on the severity of the deformity and is usually quite good.

Convalescence:

The average hospital stay is 5 to 7 days. Complete recovery may take up to 4 weeks. Some children continue to have speech defects after the surgery because of muscle problems in the palate. Speech therapy is then required.