Cleft Palate

Treatment
Care Team
Surgery for Cleft Lip Repair
Speech Surgery
Ear Surgery
Dental Implants
Nasal Cleft Deformity
Adopting a Child with a Facial Cleft
Feeding a Baby with a Cleft Palate
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After the Surgery

Controlling Pain and Discomfort 

  • Alternate between Ibuprofen (Motrin / Advil) and Tylenol for the first 2-3 days, use narcotics only if needed.  

  • DO NOT JUST TAKE NARCOTICS.  

  • Follow the directions on the label  (do not take more than the recommended dose). Pain control is mainly needed for the first 3-5 days after surgery, there after as needed 

Nasal Swelling/Bruising

  • Expect nasal swelling and sometimes bruising.  

  • The swelling is worst the first 3 days after surgery, and by the end of the week it is significantly less.  

  • Use wash cloths soaked in ice water or frozen 'peas' or any commercially available product especially the early days after surgery.   

  • Sleep with an extra pillow or two. The swelling is worse in the morning with lying down.  

  • Being up and active will help the swelling to come down faster. 

Antibiotics

Follow the directions on the antibiotics. If you miss a dose do not double it. If your child develops diarrhea, please discontinue the antibiotics.  

What to eat 

  • First few days stick to more liquids, and then begin slowly after the surgery to minimize nausea and to easily clean the mouth after eating.  

  • Encourage liquids after surgery as much as possible to avoid dehydration. This will help the tissues to heal. After a day or so, start with a soft diet (Jello, puddings, soups to pasta), and continue the soft diet for the first 2 weeks after surgery thereafter there is no restriction. 

General Care 

  • Wash and bathe normally the day after surgery.  

  • There are no restrictions in daily activities or positioning in sleeping, gradually increase every day. Most of the children are recovered by 1 week after surgery.  

  • No Contact sports should be avoided for 6 weeks after surgery. 

Nasal Care 

  • Continue the salt water (saline) nasal spray after surgery for at least 6 months. Use a humidifier or vaporizer. This will help with the nasal passageways.  

  • Expect occasional nasal bleeding and crusting may continue from weeks to months after surgery. 

  • You can use a hydrogen-peroxide mixed with water (equal parts of each) and a q-tip to clean the blood and crusts that occur at the nasal opening. 

Follow Up Appointment with the Surgeon 

Appointment 2-4 weeks after surgery 

Appointment   6 months after surgery 

Appointment 12 months after surgery 

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