Cleft lip and palate treatment is a series of procedures, with the optimal surgery time being 3 months post-birth (for cleft lip) or 18 months post-birth (for cleft palate) to restore the normal upper lip shape and language function. Parents should observe their child’s symptoms for changes, seek timely treatment, and use medication appropriately.

Children with cleft lip typically undergo lip repair surgery between 3 to 4 months of age for optimal results. Those with both cleft lip and palate also need corrective surgery to aid in feeding and future speech. The timing of the surgery should be individualized based on the shape and severity of the cleft.

Cleft lip and palate is a common congenital defect in newborns, specifically referring to the clefting of the upper lip and upper jaw.