What is the surgical repair of a cleft palate or cleft lip?

The surgical repair of a cleft palate or cleft lip, known as cheiloplasty for the lip and palatoplasty for the palate, involves reconstructing the affected tissues to restore normal appearance and function. These procedures typically occur in infancy or early childhood, allowing for improved feeding, speech development, and overall facial aesthetics. Surgeons carefully align and stitch the separated tissues, often using local tissue flaps to ensure a strong repair. Post-surgery, ongoing care and therapy may be necessary to support optimal recovery and function.