Instructions After Cleft Lip Surgery
In general the cleft lip is repaired when the baby is ten weeks of age and weighs ten pounds.
If the cleft is bilateral (on both sides) the correction may require more than one surgery. One
week prior to when surgery is scheduled, you will receive, in the mail, an appointment time to
meet the anesthesiologist the day prior to surgery. The operation is usually done the day of
admission and the length of stay in the hospital is usually one night depending on how feeding is progressing.
Day of Surgery
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You will be able to accompany your child to the pre-operative waiting area. You will be able to
speak to the surgeon and the anesthesiologist if you have any last minute questions.
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The surgery usually takes between 2-3 hours. The surgeon will look for you in the waiting room
when the operation is over.
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The recovery room will then call you to join your child.
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Your child's face may appear swollen and you may see a little stitch and a rubber bolster over the
bridge of the nose. This will be removed when you return to the surgeon's office for the post-operative check. You may also notice a protective wire over the upper lip (called a Logan's bow). This
helps reduce the stress on the incision. It should be left on until it falls off or is removed by the
doctor at the post-operative appointment.
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Your baby should be positioned on their back and the head elevated. An infant seat works well
to keep your child from rolling onto their stomach.
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Your child will have arm splints on. These are designed to be comfortable and at the same time
prevent your child from touching the lip. There will also be an intravenous (IV) line to provide fluids
in the vein until feeding by mouth has restarted.
On the Pediatric Ward
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When your child is fully awake feeding is allowed by nipple, breast, cup, or feeding tube
according to the method used prior to surgery.
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Your child may initially be fussy this is often due to gas pains. Try burping your baby. The nurse will
have orders to give pain medicine at least every four to six hours around the clock. But you may
find your child is crying due to hunger after several hours without eating.
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You will be able to stay overnight in your child's room and you may participate as much as you
want in your child's care. Be sure to let the nurse know what you want to do and when you won't
be at the bedside.
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The arm splints which were placed on your child after surgery should remain on at all times for two
weeks. The arm splints may be removed only when you are dressing and washing your child.
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The doctor will want you to learn how to keep the incision clean by wiping with water on cotton
applicators or pads. Then apply antibiotic ointment at least five times a day. Do not clean way up
inside the nose. The nurse will have the ointment for you to take home.
Discharge Instructions
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Demonstration of incision care (as described above)
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Review of positioning on back to protect the incision
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How to manage pain at home
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Return appointment the following Tuesday afternoon
Date __________ Time ___________
Location: 350 Parnassus Suite 509
Phone: 415/476-9236
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Remember to keep the arm splints on for two weeks
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Maintain normal amount feeding.
SDPED0530 • Rev. 7/03
Last reviewed 2/2011