College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
of Sri Lanka
Cleft Lip Surgery
This leaflet is designed to help you understand your upcoming treatment and answer common questions. If anything is unclear, or if you would like more information, please speak to your surgeon or nurse.
The Problem
A cleft lip occurs when a baby’s upper lip does not fully form during early development in the womb. This results in a gap or opening in the upper lip that may extend into the nose. Cleft lip surgery is performed to repair this gap, improve the appearance and function of the lip, and support normal speech and feeding development.
What Does the Operation Involve?
- The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic, so your child will be fully asleep during the procedure.
- The surgeon carefully repositions and joins the tissues and muscles of the lip to create a natural shape and contour.
- Fine dissolvable stitches are used to close the wound.
- The operation usually takes 1–2 hours depending on the type and extent of the cleft.
- The aim is to restore both the function and appearance of the lip and nose.
After the Operation
- Your child will be monitored closely in hospital until fully awake and comfortable.
- There may be some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the lip and nose area.
- Regular pain relief will be provided.
- Feeding may be slightly different for a few days, and your cleft team will guide you on suitable methods.
- Dissolvable stitches will usually disappear within two weeks. If non- dissolvable stiches are used, an appointment (usually after one week) will be given to remove the stiches.
- A small amount of blood-stained saliva is normal during the first 24 hours.
- The scar will appear pink at first but will fade gradually over the following months.
Feeding After Surgery
- Most babies can return to their usual feeding method (bottle or breastfeeding) soon after surgery.
- Sometimes, special feeding bottles or teats are used for comfort and to prevent strain on the lip.
- Keep your child in an upright position while feeding to help with swallowing and healing.
Wound Care
- The surgical area must be kept clean and dry.
- Gently wipe away any crusting with cooled, boiled water or as advised by the nurse.
- Avoid allowing your child to rub or bump the lip.
- Your surgeon may recommend applying ointment or cream to keep the scar soft and moist once initial healing has occurred.
Hospital Stay
- Most children stay in hospital for 1–2 days.
- Your child will be discharged once they are feeding comfortably and healing is progressing well.
Recovery at Home
- Mild swelling and bruising are normal and should gradually improve over 1–2 weeks.
- Try to prevent your child from putting fingers or toys in the mouth during the early healing period.
- Some hospitals may provide soft arm splints to prevent rubbing or touching the lip.
- Keep follow-up appointments as advised.
Possible Complications
While complications are rare, it is important to be aware of potential issues:
- Bleeding: Slight oozing is normal. Persistent bleeding should be reported.
- Infection: Uncommon, but antibiotics may be prescribed if redness or swelling increases.
- Wound Breakdown: Occasionally, part of the repair may come apart and require further surgery.
- Scarring: The scar will improve over time and can be managed with gentle massage once healing is complete.
- Asymmetry or Irregularities: Further minor corrective surgery may be needed as your child grows.
Follow-Up Appointments
- If non- dissolvable stiches are used, an appointment (usually after one week) will be given to remove the stiches.
- You will be given a follow-up appointment to see your surgeon
- Regular reviews will monitor healing, scar appearance, feeding, and speech development.
- As your child grows, further assessments by the cleft team (including speech and orthodontic specialists) will ensure the best long-term outcome.
If You Have Concerns
If your child develops persistent bleeding, swelling, fever, or difficulty feeding, contact your surgeon or the hospital immediately.
College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Sri Lanka
