Most Common cleft lip and palate Surgeries in early infancy
Cleft lip repair
Cleft lip repair is a very common and essential surgery for infants with a cleft, taking place most commonly from the age of 3-6 months old. The goal of cleft lip repair surgery is to repair the separation of the lip.
Cleft palate repair
Similarly to the repair of cleft lip and repair, this surgery occurs in infancy, most commonly from the age of 9 to 18 months old. The purpose of a surgical cleft palate repair is to fix the roof of the mouth, resolving issues of eating and talking so that the child can now eat and talk normally.
Primary rhinoplasty
a surgical procedure designed to reshape or resize the nose.
Benefits include: Corrects breathing difficulties, can help improve facial appearance by balancing the nose with other facial features, improves nasal airflow significantly, and may reduce the risk of sinus infections.
Alveolar cleft repair
Alveolar cleft repair is a secondary cleft procedure performed when there is insufficient bone in the surrounding area of the alveolar (gum-line) defect.
Benefits include: provides additional bone support for a patients permanent teeth, establishes stability of the bone segments of the upper jaw, and may assist in closing any oral and or nasal fistulas that may be present.
Source: “Cleft Palate Surgical Procedures.” University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, 2024, uihc.org/childrens/health-topics/cleft-palate-surgical-procedures#alv. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.