Cleft Surgery: Timelines and What They Mean
Surgery is an important part of treating a cleft lip and/or palate. It can improve appearance, function, and development while supporting speech, feeding, and confidence. Every child’s surgical plan is individual, but there are common timelines that guide treatment in most cases.
This guide explains when surgery usually takes place, how those timings are decided, and what to expect during recovery.
How Surgery Timing is Decided
The cleft team considers several factors when planning surgery:
The child’s overall health and growth
The type and extent of the cleft
The need to balance surgical benefits with development in speech, feeding, and facial growth
In most cases, surgery is planned to give the best long-term results while ensuring the baby is strong enough to recover well.
Typical Surgery Timelines
Lip repair: Usually carried out between 3 and 6 months of age. This timing allows the baby to grow and develop while giving the surgeon enough tissue to work with.
Palate repair: Typically completed between 9 and 13 months of age. Repairing the palate before a child begins to speak supports speech development and feeding.
Gum repair (alveolar bone graft): Usually performed between 8 and 11 years, when adult teeth are coming through. This procedure helps stabilise the upper jaw and support tooth alignment.
What Recovery Looks Like for Babies
After lip or palate surgery, most babies are encouraged to feed as soon as they are awake and alert. It can take a few days for them to adjust to the repaired area, but long-term feeding difficulties are uncommon.
During recovery, the cleft team monitors healing, checks weight gain, and supports parents with advice on feeding, pain relief, and care of the surgical site. Regular follow-up appointments ensure everything is progressing as planned.
Real Patient Journeys
Many families find it reassuring to see how other children progress after surgery. Before-and-after images, shared with consent, can help parents visualise the difference surgery can make while also showing that every outcome is unique.
Families in the North West Cleft Lip and Palate Service often share their experiences with new parents, helping them feel informed and supported.
Why These Timelines Matter
Following these timelines gives children the best chance of developing clear speech, effective feeding, and a confident smile. With coordinated care from surgeons, speech therapists, and dental specialists, surgery is just one part of a lifelong cleft care journey.