Cleft palate surgery (1805)

Key points below


What is a cleft palate?

Cleft means divided or split.  Palate refers to the roof of the mouth.  A cleft palate is a split in the palate.  It happens when the palate tissue does not close all the way as a baby develops in the womb. 

Surgery to repair a cleft palate is normally done once the child is about 9 to 12 months old.  If the child was born prematurely or has other health problems, surgery may be delayed.  The plastic surgeon will decide the best time for your child to have surgery.

What happens before surgery?   

How is it done?

What happens after surgery?

After surgery continued

Diet

Home care

Follow Up

Make a clinic appointment to see your child’s surgeon as directed.  Your child will need be seen about 1 to 3 weeks after surgery.

 

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child:

  • Injures their mouth.
  • Has a lot of blood coming from the nose or mouth.
  • Has a foul mouth odor.
  • Is vomiting often.
  • Has a temperature of 101 F (38.3 C).
  • Is drinking less than before surgery.
  • Has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.