What Parents Need to Know About Cleft Lip Repair

Cleft lip is one of the most common congenital facial conditions, affecting 1 in every 1,600 babies born in the United States. This condition occurs when the upper lip does not fully develop during pregnancy, leaving an opening that can range from a small notch to a significant separation extending into the nose. While the diagnosis of a cleft lip can be overwhelming for parents, modern surgical techniques offer remarkable results in restoring function and appearance. At GK Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dr. Georges Kamel, a Harvard-trained craniofacial surgeon, provides expert, compassionate care to help infants achieve the best possible outcome.

What is Cleft Lip Repair?

Cleft lip repair is a surgical procedure designed to close the gap in the upper lip, restore normal function, and improve facial appearance. The surgery involves precise techniques to reshape and reposition the tissues, muscles, and skin for a natural-looking result. In many cases, cleft lip repair also enhances speech development, feeding ability, and breathing function.

When Should Cleft Lip Surgery Be Performed?

According to the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), the ideal time for cleft lip repair is between 3 and 6 months of age. Performing the procedure at this early stage allows for optimal healing and facial development, improving both function and aesthetics as the child grows. Cleft lip surgery has a very high success rate, with most children achieving excellent results in both appearance and function.

While most cleft lip repairs require one primary surgery, some children may need follow-up procedures to improve nasal symmetry or refine scar appearance. These adjustments are typically made during early childhood.

What is Recovery Like?

Recovery from cleft lip surgery is typically smooth, with most babies healing within 2 to 3 weeks. Parents will need to follow post-operative care instructions, including:

• Keeping the surgical site clean to prevent infection.
• Preventing the baby from rubbing or putting pressure on the repaired lip.
• Providing pain management and soft feeding options as recommended by the surgeon.

While all surgeries leave some scarring, Dr. Kamel uses advanced techniques to minimize scarring and blend the repair into the natural contours of the face. Over time, the scar fades significantly, often becoming barely noticeable.

Why Choose Dr. Georges Kamel for Cleft Lip Repair?

With Harvard-trained expertise in craniofacial surgery, Dr. Kamel ensures each child receives personalized, precise, and compassionate care. At GK Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, we are committed to helping families navigate the cleft lip journey with confidence and support to obtain the best outcomes for children born with a cleft lip.

If your child has been diagnosed with a cleft lip, early intervention is key to achieving the best results. Contact us today at GK Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with board-certified craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgeon Dr. George Kamel and learn more about our specialized cleft lip repair services.