What recovery problems are to be expected from a cleft lip and palate surgery for a one-year old?

VARIED: Surgical results are often varied--dependent primarily upon the severity of the defect being corrected. The surgical team of specialists that care for your baby will be the best source of potential outcomes and risks. In general, the earlier the treatment, the better the potential results can be. Good luck.

A few things: Pain, and the different feeling inside the mouth after cleft palate repair are the two biggest problems to be expected after cleft palate surgery. Cleft lip also adds a little more pain. The children also don't like the use of arm restraints, even though most of us surgeons use them after lip repair, and sometimes after palate repair.

Breathing, eat,drink: Monitor breathing is the must. Watch for sign of airway difficulties such as sucking in of the lower lip, postop airway obstruction from edema, bleeding or exudates in the respiratory tract or certain drugs. Soft diet is commenced after 24-48 hrs, continue up to 6 wks. Pain meds for comfort. Clean suture regularly, applied antibiotic cream. Regular fluid to keep mouth moist and clean.