Surgical repair of acleft lipandpalatehave medical benefits beyond the cosmetic.
This is a preliminary surgery that is usuallyperformed between 2 and 4 weeks of age.
Reducing tension will reduce the risks for problems after the next surgery.
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Your surgeon will attempt to adjust the scar that was formed from previous surgeries.
Performing the surgery too early will not allow for proper growth of the maxilla and face.
However, not performing the surgery early enough may inhibit the development of speech.
It is recommended that cleft palate repair beperformed between 9 and 16 months of age.
You should also realize that as your child matures, additional surgeries may be necessary including: