Before Cleft Lip Surgery
As soon as the baby is born, we use specialized tape to help bring the lip together. This is to make the repair easier for the surgeon. Some babies will need a custom device to help shape the nose and lip before the surgery. This is started in the first few weeks after birth. This is called a Nasal Alveolar Molding. NAM for short.
Surgery Scheduling
The surgery date will be arranged by our surgery scheduling staff. Please make sure we have your correct phone number.
Right Before the Surgery
You will have a Preoperative Appointment with the surgeon and the nursing staff to go over the details of the surgery and hospitalization. Please have the history and physical form completed by your primary care doctor two weeks before the surgery. Please make sure your doctor faxes the form to our office.
Pre-Anesthesia Guidelines
Please follow feeding instruction per Anesthesia. The surgery may be canceled and rescheduled if the guidelines are not followed.
- Infant: No food after midnight before surgery
- Formula is acceptable until 6 hours before the time of arrival to the hospital
- Breast milk is acceptable 4 hours before the time of arrival to the hospital
- Clear liquid is acceptable 2 hours before the time of arrival to the hospital
You will get a phone call from the SurgiCenter nurse reviewing the instructions, time of arrival, and time of surgery. You may call between 2 pm and 4 pm the business day before surgery at 312.413.7874.
Please bathe the baby the night before the surgery using antibacterial soap. Do not apply any lotion or powder. Clothe the baby with clean clothes. We want to minimize the risk of infection.
Please arrive at the hospital early. Beware of traffic, construction, and weather conditions.
If your baby shows early signs of illness, please call 312-413-7874 immediately. Surgery may need to be rescheduled because of the increased risks from anesthesia. The signs we are concerned with include: cough, fever, colds, diarrhea, vomiting, and unusual fatigue.
