👶 Cleft Lip Surgery (Cheiloplasty) in the Philippines
💬 What is Cleft Lip Surgery?
Cleft lip surgery, also known as cheiloplasty, is a reconstructive procedure to correct a split or gap in the upper lip present at birth. This condition can affect one side (unilateral cleft lip) or both sides (bilateral cleft lip) of the lip, and may extend into the nose or gums.
The goal of surgery is to restore both function and appearance, allowing the child to eat, speak, and smile more naturally while improving facial symmetry and emotional well-being.
✅ Cleft Lip Surgery Can Help With:
- Feeding and latching difficulties in infants
- Speech development challenges
- Social and psychological confidence
- Nasal and lip asymmetry
- Future dental and orthodontic needs
👩⚕️ Why Choose Dr. Aicee Bernal?
Dr. Aicee Bernal is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with special expertise in pediatric cleft repair. With advanced training and compassionate care, she prioritizes both functional success and aesthetic outcomes.
Her surgical approach is meticulous and child-centered, often involving a multidisciplinary care plan in partnership with pediatricians, speech therapists, and orthodontists.
🔍 What to Expect After Cleft LIp Surgery
- Ideal Age for Surgery: Around 3 to 6 months old, depending on weight and health
- Procedure Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Hospital Stay: Usually 3 days
- Recovery Time: 7–10 days for initial healing; full results in several weeks
- Follow-up: Long-term care may include speech therapy and orthodontics
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will there be a scar?
A: Yes, but Dr. Aicee places incisions strategically and uses advanced closure techniques to make scars as minimal and natural-looking as possible.
Q: Is more than one surgery needed?
A: In some cases, yes. As the child grows, additional refinements may be done to improve speech, nasal shape, or dental alignment.
Q: Can adults have cleft lip surgery too?
A: Yes. Although best performed in infancy, adults who missed early treatment can still undergo cheiloplasty to improve function and appearance.
📞 Book a Consultation
Give your child the best possible start in life.
Trust Dr. Aicee Bernal, a compassionate and highly trained cleft surgeon in the Philippines, to provide safe and expert care for your child’s cleft lip.