Surgery to close the cleft lip is often done
when the child is between 6 weeks and 9
months old.
A cleft palate is usually closed within the
first year of life so that the child's speech
develops normally. Sometimes a
prosthetic device is temporarily used to
close the palate so the baby can feed and
grow until surgery can be done.
Continued follow-up may be needed with
speech therapists and orthodontists.