Cleft Palate Surgery

---

Cleft palate surgery, also called palatoplasty, is a procedure that repairs a congenital gap in the roof of the mouth (palate). This gap may affect the soft palate, hard palate, or both, making it difficult for a child to feed, speak clearly, and hear properly.

The goal of surgery is to close the opening, restore normal speech and swallowing function, and support healthy growth and development.

• all babies born with cleft palate or an opening in the roof of the mouth
   
• Children experiencing speech problems such as hypernasal or unclear speech caused by the palate defect

• Frequent ear infections and hearing loss
  

Before surgery: For babies, the ideal age for cleft lip surgery is around 9-18 months or when they start speaking.  Postponing surgery after the child is already able to speak will result in permanent speech problems such as hyper nasality.  

Anesthesia: general anesthesia

Incision: the surgeon carefully separates the tissues of the cleft in the roof of the mouth. The layers of muscle and lining are then rearranged and stitched together in multiple layers to close the gap and restore the normal structure of the palate. This helps improve feeding, speech development, and separation between the mouth and nose.

Procedure Time:  1-2 hours depending on severity

• Post-op Course: Oral antibiotics and pain reliever are taken for a week.  Expect swelling for 1-2 weeks.   The child is only allowed liquid diet until the palate is completely closed which takes around 3-4 weeks.  Oral hygiene  is advised.

• Suture Removal: sutures are left in place and will dissolve spontaneously
   
• Downtime: 3-4 weeks

• Scarring:  scars  on the palate is not visible
   
• Results: you will see the palate completely closed around 3-4 weeks after surgery.  However, as the child grows speech therapy is advised.  Persistent hyper nasality needs further evaluation by a Speech Pathologist to check if velopharyngeal surgery may be need to improve speech.

Q: What happens if cleft palate is not treated?
A: Untreated cleft palate can lead to severe speech problems, feeding challenges, chronic ear infections, and psychosocial difficulties later in life.

Q: Will my child need speech therapy?
A: Yes, many children benefit from speech therapy after surgery to develop proper articulation and language skills.

Q: Can palatoplasty be done in adults?
A: Yes but there is more risk of bleeding and dehiscence.  An obturator may be an option for adult patients.

Dr. Aicee Bernal is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a deep understanding of both function and facial harmony, she performs palatoplasty with precision and long-term outcomes in mind, ensuring the child can eat, speak, and grow with confidence.

Support your child’s future with expert cleft care.
Schedule a palatoplasty consultation with Dr. Aicee Bernal, a trusted cleft and craniofacial surgeon in the Philippines dedicated to restoring function and confidence in every child.