Everything you Need to Know About Cleft Lip Repair Surgery

Preparing for cleft lip repair surgery can feel overwhelming for parents, as it marks an important step in addressing a cleft lip and improving your child’s ability to feed, speak, and thrive. This surgery is key to helping your child gain confidence and develop "normal" facial features. To support you through this journey, we’ve put together a helpful guide with answers to the most common questions parents have before, during, and after cleft lip surgery. From what to expect during the procedure to tips for managing recovery, this article aims to offer clarity and reassurance as you navigate this crucial milestone for your baby's health and well-being.

Cleft Lip Repair: Essential Questions and Answers

Pre Lip Repair
Question	Answer
Can a cleft lip be fixed?	A cleft lip can be repaired a few months after birth through surgical intervention. Clefts cannot be reversed in utero. There is no consistent evidence that supports safe surgical intervention in the womb. Please note: Cleft advocates no longer use the term "fix" to describe cleft lip repair or surgery.
What should I bring to the hospital?	Essentials items for baby include comfort items like a favorite blanket, distracting toys, ipad with pre-loaded songs/shows, bottles, bottle warmer, pumping supplies if you are pumping, familiar pajamas, hair ties, sound machine. Essential items for parents include dark clothing, snacks, personal hygiene items, ipad with shows, comfort blankets. The key is to make sure you are comfortable as a parent. This will ensure that you can support your child as much as possible.
What age do babies have their lip repaired?	Cleft lip repair is typically performed between 3 to 6 months of age. The timing can vary based on the child's development and specific needs as determined by the child's cleft team.
How do I avoid getting my baby sick ahead of their lip repair surgery?	Focus on maintaining good hygiene by encouraging frequent handwashing and using hand sanitizer, and regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces. Limit exposure to sick individuals and avoid crowded places and child play areas. Consider supplements like elderberry and vitamin C if recommended by your healthcare provider. Change your child’s clothes when they come home to remove any potential germs. Encourage healthy habits such as covering coughs and avoiding face-touching. If your child shows signs of illness before the surgery, contact your healthcare provider, as the surgery may need to be rescheduled to ensure they are healthy for the procedure.

Question	Answer
During Lip Repair
How long is the surgery?	The cleft lip repair surgery generally takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the repair and the specific techniques used.
Can I stay with my child during the surgery?	Typically, parents are not allowed in the operating room, but you can stay with your child before they go into surgery and be there to comfort them after the procedure. Most hospitals provide a waiting area where you can be updated on the progress. You can stay with them overnight once they are out of surgery.
Will ear tubes be placed during lip repair surgery?	Ear tubes are usually placed during cleft palate repair surgery to help with drainage and prevent fluid buildup. This is common, but if your child is having recurring ear infections or you have reason to believe they have fluid build up that is impacting their hearing they may be placed during lip repair.

Question	Answer
Post Lip Repair
How long is the hospital stay?	Most children stay in the hospital for about 1 to 2 days after cleft lip repair surgery. The exact duration can vary based on the child's recovery progress and any additional care needs.
How can we make ourselves comfortable during our hospital stay?	Opt for an adult bed instead of a crib in the recovery area to allow for better sleep while someone is up holding your baby. Bring snacks, dark clothing, gum, hair ties, and personal hygiene items.
What can I use to keep my babies hands away from their mouth post lip repair?	No-nos (arm restraints) are commonly used to prevent your baby from touching their lips. You can also purchase a Cozeecoo or similar product designed for this purpose. Use code OFSCozeecoo for 10% off.
How can I encourage my baby to feed after lip repair?	Start with a syringe for feeding and transition to a medicine cup as they become more comfortable. Distract them with toys or change the scenery to make feeding easier. Remain patient and avoid showing frustration, as your baby can sense your emotions.
How do I care for the surgical site and scar post op?	Your baby will go home with a bandage over their lip and nose. The bandage should be removed and replaced up until their first post op appointment. After your post op appointment, you will likely be given instructions to clean the area using a mixture of peroxide and water. You can use a q-tip to gently remove any access blood or mucus as the scar heals. If your baby gets congested, you can also use saline and a gentle suction to help clear out any mucus from their nose.
Why should I massage my baby's scar?	After cleft lip surgery, parents are encouraged to massage the scar to promote better healing and reduce the appearance of the scar. Gentle massage helps break down excess scar tissue, improving flexibility and preventing tightness around the lip area. It also boosts blood circulation, which supports the healing process and reduces sensitivity in the area. Over time, massaging can lead to a smoother, more discreet scar while ensuring the child maintains full lip movement for speech and eating. Cleft moms have recommended Biocorneum Scar Cream and Vitamin E oil.
When will their sleep routine return to normal?	Sleep patterns can be disrupted after surgery due to discomfort and changes in routine. Most children begin to return to their normal sleep routine within 4 weeks.
Is it normal for blood to be coming out of their nose and mouth after lip repair?	It's not uncommon to see some blood or blood-tinged mucus coming from the nose and mouth after lip repair surgery. This can be due to the surgical site healing. However, if you notice excessive bleeding or if it continues beyond a few days, contact your child's cleft surgeon immediately.
Is it normal for the lip to collapse or sag after repair?	It is not common for the lip to collapse or sag significantly after repair. Some swelling and temporary changes in appearance are normal, but if there are noticeable issues or concerns, consult with your child's surgeon.
What did you do to manage pain post lip repair?	Manage pain by alternating between ibuprofen and Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours, even if your child seems to be feeling better. Stick to this routine to be proactive, as pain can come on suddenly. Avoid relying solely on your child's apparent comfort level; maintaining consistent pain management is crucial.
How long does it take for your baby to heal?	Full recovery from cleft lip repair can take several weeks. Initial healing of the surgical site may take around 2 to 3 weeks, but complete healing can take about 6 weeks. Follow-up cleft team appointments will help monitor progress.
How much time did you take off of work?	Parents typically take about 1 to 2 weeks off from work to manage their child’s immediate post-surgery needs and recovery. The exact time may vary depending on the child’s condition and the parent's work situation.
What are signs of complications I should watch for?	Signs of complications can include excessive bleeding, high fever, difficulty breathing, or severe pain, sagging, excessive fluids coming out of the nose. If you notice any of these symptoms or other unusual signs, contact your cleft team immediately.
How can I prepare myself for post-op lip repair care?	Prepare by organizing meal trains with friends or family, having oversized shirts for comfort, and creating a chart to track medication times. This preparation will help manage your child's post-op care and your own needs more effectively.
How can I support my child’s emotional well-being during recovery?	Offer extra comfort and reassurance, maintain a comforting routine, and be patient with any changes in behavior.

This detailed guide should help address many of the questions and concerns parents may have about cleft lip repair surgery, making the process smoother and less stressful. If you have more questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out!