Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for lip surgery and post op care (3-6 months)

The Cleft Surgeon is likely to operate on the cleft lip when the baby is between three to six months old. However, if your baby was born early or there are other medical conditions then these times may change.

The operation will be carried out under a general anaesthetic at either Alder Hey children’s, or Royal Manchester children’s hospital. Your baby will be given pain relief both in theatre and on the ward to keep them comfortable. Recovery is generally quick in babies and feeding is started shortly after the operation.

Your CNS will visit you at home before surgery to discuss pre and post-operative care. She will also visit you at home after surgery to make an assessment of healing and offer support to you as a family in the early post-operative period. 

Preparing for palate surgery and post op care (7-13 months)

The Cleft Surgeon is likely to operate on the palate when the baby is between 8 and 13 months old. However, if your baby was born early or there are other medical conditions then these times may change.

The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic in one of the above-mentioned hospital. Your baby will be given pain relief both in theatre and on the ward to keep them comfortable. Recovery is generally quick in babies and feeding is started shortly after the operation. This surgery involves a minimum overnight stay of 1 night. (Usually 1-3nights)

Your CNS will visit you at home before surgery to discuss pre and post op care and will also visit you at home after surgery to make and assessment of healing and offer support to you as a family in the early post operative period.