Frequently Asked Questions About Cleft Lip Repair

Cleft lip is one of the most common congenital conditions affecting newborns worldwide. In the United States, about 1 in every 1,600 babies is born with a cleft lip with or without a cleft palate, according to the CDC. For families, this diagnosis often brings questions about treatment, timing, and outcomes. At GK Plastic Surgery, we are here to provide answers, guidance, and compassionate care.

What Is a Cleft Lip?

A cleft lip occurs when the tissues of the upper lip do not fully join during fetal development. This can result in a small notch in the lip or a larger opening that extends up to the nose. Sometimes, a cleft lip is accompanied by a cleft palate, which affects the roof of the mouth.

How Common Is Cleft Lip?

Cleft lip and palate are among the most prevalent birth defects worldwide. The CDC estimates that each year, around 2,650 babies in the U.S. are born with a cleft palate and 4,440 with a cleft lip with or without a cleft palate. With advanced surgical care, these conditions can be effectively repaired to restore both function and appearance.

At What Age Is Cleft Lip Repair Performed?

Cleft lip repair is usually performed when a baby is around 3 to 6 months old. At this stage, infants are healthy and strong enough to undergo anesthesia safely. The timing may vary depending on the child’s health, weight, and whether other medical conditions are present. Early repair helps with feeding, speech development, and overall facial growth.

How Is Cleft Lip Surgery Performed?

Cleft lip repair involves reconstructing the lip and underlying muscles to restore normal appearance and function. Surgeons carefully align the skin, muscle, and mucous membranes to close the gap while minimizing scarring. In some cases, additional procedures may be needed as the child grows to refine function and aesthetics.

Modern advances, such as 3D technology and imaging, allow surgeons to plan the repair with remarkable precision. This leads to more natural, symmetrical outcomes and shorter recovery times.

Will My Child Need Additional Surgeries?

Many children with cleft lip require only one surgery, but others may need staged procedures as they grow. For example, future surgeries may address the nose, palate, or dental alignment. Every child’s treatment plan is unique, and our team works closely with families to create a roadmap for long-term success.

Why Choose GK Plastic Surgery?

At GK Plastic Surgery, patients benefit from the expertise of Dr. George Kamel, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon fellowship-trained in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery.

Dr. George Kamel brings unmatched expertise in complex craniofacial procedures, including cleft lip and palate repair, craniosynostosis, and facial trauma. At GK Plastic Surgery, we emphasize a compassionate, family-centered approach, supporting parents through every stage of care. Using advanced techniques such as 3D planning, Dr. Kamel has achieved proven success, delivering precise, natural-looking outcomes that have transformed the lives of countless patients.

Dr. Kamel also treats congenital hand anomalies, performs reconstructive procedures, and offers aesthetic plastic surgery—ensuring patients of all ages receive comprehensive, tailored care.

What Is Recovery Like After Cleft Lip Repair?

Most babies go home the day after surgery. Some swelling and mild discomfort are expected but usually resolve quickly. Parents are given detailed instructions for feeding, wound care, and follow-up visits. Stitches often dissolve on their own, and scars continue to fade over time.

Take the First Step Toward Care

If your child has been diagnosed with a cleft lip, you are not alone. Families across Ft. Lauderdale and throughout Florida trust GK Plastic Surgery for expert treatment and compassionate support.

Contact one of our Florida clinics today to schedule a consultation with Dr. George Kamel and learn more about how cleft lip repair can restore both function and confidence for your child.