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How long does it take for a cleft palate to heal?
normally. Those problems are usually short-term since a cleft lip is usually repaired at four to six months of age and a cleft palate is usually repaired around 12 months of age, so feeding problems caused by the cleft should not last longer than this.
Which is the best time to surgical repair of cleft palate?
Palate repair surgery is usually done when your baby is 6 to 12 months old. The gap in the roof of the mouth is closed and the muscles and the lining of the palate are rearranged. The wound is closed with dissolvable stitches. The operation usually takes about 2 hours and is done using a general anaesthetic.
How do you clean nose after cleft lip?
Clean your child’s lip and nose incisions with warm water and a little mild soap every day. Pat dry. Apply petroleum jelly to the incisions 3 or 4 times a day to keep them moist and greasy. Wipe or wash away the old petroleum jelly before applying a new layer.
What happens if cleft palate is not treated?
If left untreated, cleft lip and palate can present other challenges for a baby, including problems with feeding, hearing, dental development, and speech.
Is cleft palate easy to fix?
The only way to repair a cleft palate is by surgery. The goal is to close the opening in the roof of the child’s mouth. Your child will be in the operating room for only a few hours.
Can a cleft lip heal itself in the womb?
Results from a new study suggest that cleft palate, one of the most common birth defects in children, could be reversed in the womb in the future.
How many surgeries does it take to fix a cleft palate?
A minimum of one surgery is required to repair a cleft palate. The requirement for further surgeries depends on the patient’s progress. A separate surgery will be used to repair the lip; additional surgeries may be needed to make the lip appear normal or improve speech.
Where can I get cleft palate repair surgery?
At UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, we believe parents and guardians can contribute to the success of this surgery and invite you to participate. Please read the following information to learn about the surgery and how you can help. Cleft palate repair is a surgery to fix a cleft, or hole, in the palate, or the roof of the mouth.
Can you feed a child with a cleft lip and palate?
Some Cleft Teams feel that sucking on a dummy after surgery will damage the repair, so it’s best to ask to be sure. The timing of palate repair surgery will vary, so depending on your child’s age they may be weaned but still using a bottle for milk or other liquids.
What is the goal of cleft lip and palate surgery?
An intravenous (IV) catheter will be used to give your child fluids until he can drink adequately. The goal of cleft palate surgery is to fix the roof of the mouth so that your child can eat and talk normally.
How long does a child stay in the hospital after cleft palate repair?
After surgery for cleft palate: Your child may experience more discomfort and pain with cleft palate repair than cleft lip repair. Your child may have nasal congestion. This can be relieved with medication. Your child may stay in the hospital for one to three days and will be given antibiotics to prevent infection.