Cleft Lip Repair Surgery
Cleft lip is a congenital facial deformity where the upper lip does not form properly during fetal development, resulting in a visible gap or separation. This condition may affect one or both sides of the lip and can occur alone or with a cleft palate. Cleft lip repair surgery restores the continuity of the lip, improves facial appearance, and supports proper feeding, speech, and emotional development.
At Phoenix Plastic Surgery Centre, Bangalore, we offer specialized cleft lip repair performed by experienced plastic and craniofacial surgeons. Our comprehensive approach ensures safe correction with optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes tailored to each patient’s needs.
Who Can Benefit from Cleft Lip Repair Surgery?
- Infants diagnosed with a unilateral or bilateral cleft lip
- Children or adults who did not receive timely surgical correction
- Patients experiencing feeding difficulties or speech delays due to lip deformity
- Individuals with facial asymmetry or scarred results from previous surgery
- Anyone seeking revision surgery for improved appearance or function
Early surgical correction is ideal, but even delayed procedures can deliver meaningful results.
Types of Cleft Lip Conditions Treated
At Phoenix Plastic Surgery Centre, Dr. Raghavendra and team treats a wide range of cleft lip variations, including:
- Unilateral cleft lip (one side of the lip)
- Bilateral cleft lip (both sides of the lip)
- Incomplete or microform clefts
- Wide clefts requiring staged reconstruction
- Cleft lip with associated nasal deformity
We also address associated functional issues such as difficulty feeding or impaired speech.
Emergency Cases
Surgical Techniques Used for Cleft Lip Repair
1. Millard Rotation-Advancement Technique
- Commonly used for unilateral clefts
- Aligns the lip muscles and contours for a natural appearance
2. Tennison-Randall Technique
- Offers excellent symmetry in complex or wide clefts
3. Mohler or Fisher Modifications
- Tailored refinements for better vermillion (lip line) matching and nasal symmetry
4. Nasal Correction (if needed)
- Performed alongside lip repair or in later stages
- Corrects nasal asymmetry caused by cleft
Benefits of Cleft Lip Repair Surgery
- Restores normal lip structure and appearance
- Improves feeding ability and speech development
- Supports psychological and social well-being
- Enhances nasal symmetry and facial aesthetics
- Enables better long-term dental and orthodontic outcomes
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgery, cleft lip repair carries certain risks, including:
- Infection or poor wound healing
- Asymmetry or residual deformity
- Scar formation
- Need for additional revision surgery during growth
At Phoenix Plastic Surgery Centre, Bangalore, our surgical protocols and experienced care significantly reduce these risks.
Step-by-Step Cleft Lip Repair Process at Phoenix
Consultation and Pre-Surgical Planning
- Clinical assessment of the cleft severity and type
- Nutritional and medical evaluation (especially in infants)
- Parental counseling and preoperative preparation
Surgical Repair
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Muscles, skin, and mucosa are realigned for functional and aesthetic repair
- Surgery usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours
Immediate Recovery
- Hospital stay of 1–2 days
- Infant feeding guidance and wound care instructions
- Pain management and use of arm splints (if necessary)
Long-Term Follow-Up
- Scar care using silicone sheets or gels
- Periodic evaluations for speech, hearing, and facial growth
- Secondary nasal or scar revision surgeries if needed later in life
Cost of Cleft Lip Repair Surgery in Bangalore?
The cost depends on several factors:
- Age of the patient
- Type and extent of the cleft
- Whether nasal correction is included
- Need for future revision or staged surgery
Contact us directly to receive a personalized quote and understand your financial options
Expert Cleft Lip Correction at Phoenix Plastic Surgery Centre, Bangalore
Cleft lip surgery is more than a cosmetic fix — it’s a vital step in supporting a child’s normal development and emotional confidence. At Phoenix Plastic Surgery Centre, Bangalore, we bring surgical precision, compassion, and long-term planning to every cleft case we treat.
Book a consultation today to get started on your child’s cleft correction journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to perform cleft lip surgery?
Surgery is usually done between 3–6 months of age when the baby is healthy and gaining weight. This timing supports optimal healing and development.
Can cleft lip surgery be done in adults?
Yes. Although early repair is ideal, adults can also undergo surgery to correct the cleft or improve prior surgical results.
Will my child need more than one surgery?
Sometimes. Primary surgery typically corrects most of the deformity, but follow-up procedures may be needed for nasal refinement or scar revision as the child grows.
How visible will the scar be?
Surgeons use precise techniques to minimize scarring. Over time, with proper care, the scar fades and becomes less noticeable.
Will my child have difficulty speaking or eating?
Properly timed surgery often resolves feeding difficulties. Speech development may be monitored by specialists. If needed, therapy and further interventions are coordinated during follow-up care.
Is insurance available for cleft lip repair?
Coverage depends on the individual policy. Please contact us for assistance in understanding your eligibility and documentation process.