Is there an Ideal Time for Cleft Palate and Lip Surgery?

Posted on 7/24/2023 by San Tan Oral Surgery

Cleft palate and cleft lip are common birth abnormalities worldwide. It occurs when the roof of the mouth and upper lip of the baby do not form properly during pregnancy. Most children are born with both a cleft lip and palate. These oral facial deformities vary significantly in their presentation and severity; however, timely surgery remains the only way to restore the child's appearance and normal functioning of the lips.

Cleft Palate Repair Surgery

Cleft palate repair surgery is done when your baby is 6 to 12 months old. The operation mainly entails closing the gap roof and rearranging the palate lining. The surgery is done under general anesthesia, and it takes about 2 hours. Most children may take a few days to weeks to recover after the surgery. Normally, the surgical scar is left inside the mouth. Additional surgeries such as nose surgery, progressive speech therapy, and bone graft repair in the affected gum may be required in the later stages of your child's life.

Cleft Lip Repair Surgery

A cleft lip operation is usually done when your baby is around three months old. The baby is given a general anesthetic and the surgery generally takes 1 to 2 hours. The cleft lip is repaired and closed with non-absorbable sutures. The sutures are removed after a few days and the scar is left on the lip which becomes less evident over time. Children with a cleft lip deformity often need speech therapy to help them in their speech.

In conclusion, cleft lip and palate is a common problem worldwide. There being various treatment methods, surgery remains a definitive treatment for cleft lip and palate. This should be done in the early stages of a child's life. Also, as these children grow up, they may need several treatments and assessments tailored to their needs.

About
Dr. Cynthia Colson

Dr. Colson grew up in the Metro area, attending Camelback High School and ASU. She graduated from the University of Kentucky Dental School and completed her residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital in Long Island, New York. She also attended an anesthesia fellowship program at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has traveled with Healing The Children, a non-profit organization, to Bucarumanga Columbia treating patients with cleft lip and palate deformities.
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What our patients are saying about us

"Dr. Colson is amazing! She explained everything thoroughly without sounding condescending and gently but directly guides you through the whole procedure. She is excellent and super experienced. I got my wisdom teeth pulled (3 partially impacted and one simply extracted) and aside from asking too many questions under laughing gas before the general anesthesia knocked me out, I got no complications and have had essentially no pain at all." – Ana D.

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Office hours

Mon - Thur: 8am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8am to 2:00pm

Location

3303 S. Lindsay Rd.
Suite 112
Gilbert, AZ 85297

Contact

Office: (480) 604-2592

Connect

Santanxray@gmail.com

About Us | Dental Implants Gilbert, AZ | San Tan Oral Surgery
If you have recently been told you need oral surgery, you have come to the right place. Call San Tan Oral Surgery to schedule your initial consultation today!
San Tan Oral Surgery, 3303 S. Lindsay Rd. Suite 112, Gilbert, AZ 85297-2100, (480) 604-2592, santanoralsurgery.com, 2/4/2026, Associated Words: Dental Implants Gilbert AZ,