Cleft Lip Repair
What is cleft lip?
Cleft lip is a deformity of the lip that occurs when it fails to join, or fuse, as a child is developing before birth. One or both sides of the lip may be affected. Cleft lip usually occurs on the upper lip.
Special Feeding Instructions
The goal is for every infant to gain weight. Most babies will have no trouble with feeding and are able to breast or bottle feed. If your baby has trouble with feeding there are special feeding techniques that are helpful. Please contact the Plastic Surgery Office, 513-636-7181, or the Craniofacial Team, 513-636-4539.
Surgical Repair of Cleft Lip
Repair of cleft lip, called cheiloplasty, may be performed immediately after birth or in early infancy (6-12 weeks of age) after a steady growth rate has been established.
Care of the Incision
Immediately following surgery, your child's incision and the area around the nostrils will need to be gently cleansed of bloody drainage and dried blood. Gently cleanse with soap and water using a cotton swab twice a day.
Special instructions after Surgical Repair
- Your baby will have elbow restraints for one week after surgery to keep hands away from the surgical site. Restraints need to be removed to exercise the arms. Remove one restraint at a time, on a rotating basis, every hour or so to exercise and massage the arms. Your child must be supervised when the elbow restraint is off.
Call your child's doctor
It is normal for your baby to have some redness for a couple of weeks. Call your child's doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Increased redness, swelling, and/or drainage
- Fever
- Separation of the incision line
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Patient Education Program I 1007 6/88
Rev. 10/05
